Elegant
and romantic return to the WonDEr of a cLaSSic Vermont Inn
The Special Value Packages Available
COMPLIMENTARY BRIDAL SUITE ...*when booking event or rooms. Call for details
INN 123 Mountain Road Stowe, VT 05672
Reservations & Info: (802) 253-4030 Fax: (802) 253-4031
www.stoweinn.com
Rehearsal Dinners | Wedding Ceremonies | Receptions | Luncheons The Stowe Inn is situated on a beautiful and lush 4-acre estate perfectly suited to accommodate large weddings and events. With n Onsite catering n Separate areas for both your ceremony and reception n Unique guest rooms n Many other special accoutrements available. Remember, the Stowe Inn has it all.
Rustic elegance can be felt as you enter our beautifully restored 1800’s barn. OPEN AIR PAVILION FOR CEREMONIES 1800’S RENOVATED HAY LOFT WITH CATERERS PANTRY
www.boydenfarm.com
NESTLED ALONG THE LAMOILLE RIVER VALLEY AND MOUNT MANSFIELD
Located at the intersection of routes 15 & 104 in Cambridge, Vermont. Contact us for availability.
802.598.5509
Spring 2012
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Contents
On the Cover
Cover Bride Love Story: Kate (O’Brien) & Matt Violette
26
Love Stories
Love Story: Brandi (Corrigan) & Brian Littlefield
Features
19
Memorable Wedding Details by Pat Esden
23
Double Duty Gifts for Bridesmaids by Pat Esden
30
Spotlight on Wedding Flowers: Tulips By Karen Sturtevant
32
To Your Health and Happiness on your Wedding Day By Susanna Keefer
37
10 Steps to your Perfect Vermont Wedding
38
2012 Wedding Trends By Cara Davis
40
Pieces of the Planning Puzzle By Lauri Boyden
42
Your Wedding YOUR Way By Rev. Dr. Michael Caldwell
44
Happy spring from Lumina! By Nancy Carlson Fisher, MD
47
Fabulous Fascinators by Sarah Minor
48
Personalize Your Wedding Music: Honoring Loved Ones Through Music Choices By Lisa Carlson
13
50
Get Ready! the Legal Details for a Vermont Wedding
One Stop Shopping: Life’s Biggest Moments are Better When Shared By Tiffany Sorrentino
52
Vermont Bride Engagements Shawna Lynne Wakeham and Thomas Joseph Smith
52
Vermont Bride Engagements Christine Elizabeth Peacock and Jeffrey Vance
53
Pewter is Perfect for Weddings
54
Wedding, Tents & Events Opens New Showroom in Waterbury! Photo this page by Jeff Schneiderman Photography
Love Story Kate (O’Brien) & Matt Violette Page 64
Photos by Synchronicity Photography
Love Story: Brandi (Corrigan) & Brian Littlefield
Page 26
14
Every Issue
Inside Vermont Bride Staff Notes
14
Contributors
90
Vermont Bride Magazine Photographers’ Showcase Spring 2012
92
2012 Spring Bridal Resource Guide
96
Vermont Wedding Professional Vendor Index
By Jenna Piper, Event Coordinator
56
How to DIY Invitations––Layering and Embellishing, Part II By Colleen Kuerth
58
Flash of Fashion: The Look of Love By Josee Telfer
69
The Informed Traveler: Bulgaria An Undiscovered Treasure By Carrie McDougall
72
Veils & Headpieces: Your Crowning Glory By Pat Esden
73
The Fit Spot: Fit and Fat or Skinny Fat By Toria Cornett
75
Workout: Fit Spot Exercise Ball Pass By Toria Cornett
76
The Wedding Album – An Heirloom Worth its Weight in Gold By Linda & Joe Crosby
79
Your Wedding Dress or Is It? By Claudia Gonzalez
81
Sabrina’s Top 10 Tips for Brides By Sabrina (Sikora) Dommenge
82
Tasty Persuasions is not your average catering company By Tina Patno
85
Bachelors and Bachelorette Parties: Making them Memorable By Pat Esden
86
Getting into the Wedding Spirit By Rachel Connor and Tiffany Suitter
88
Expert Advice - Your Future: Location, Location, Location By Gayle Oberg
89
How to Backup Your Big Day By Grant Allendorf
97 Accommodations Chart
Member of
Page 58 Flash of Fashion: The Look of Love
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That’s
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Women’s HealtHcare & aestHetics Lumina... Unique Med Spa Setting Photo by RaidenShine Photography
Get Ready! The
Legal Details for a Vermont Wedding Vermont Marriage Law is a remarkably relaxed affair. There is no waiting period or blood test required to receive a marriage license. If you’re a Vermont resident, simply visit your town clerk and for a minimal fee of $45.00, you can legally be married that same day! You can also purchase a license 60 days prior to the ceremony; however, the license becomes void after 60 days and will need to be reissued. Other legal requirements include providing your: • Legal town of residence • Place and date of birth • Parents’ names, (including mother’s maiden name), and the states where they were born • Information regarding your race, highest degree of education completed, number of times previously married, and how previous marriages ended. Proof for information related to the above: birth certificates and/or divorce decrees.
• Comprehensive Gynecology • Skin Rejuvenation • Laser Hair and Vein Removal • Cellulite Reduction • CoolLipo • Botox & Fillers • Peels / Facials / Microdermabrasion • Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine • Nutrition and Lifestyle Counseling
Nancy Carlson Fisher, MD Changing the Way a Woman Sees the Doctor 1775 Williston Road South Burlington, VT 802-861-0200 • nancyfishermd.com
A judge, Supreme Court justice, www.vermontbridemagazine.com
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Inside Vermont Bride
Cara Davis Weddings expert Cara Davis is the author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot and blogs from her home in Orlando, FL, about cheap ways to spend and save at CheapWaysTo.com
Staff Notes
When singing robins and chickadees flit from branch to branch, and the last holdouts of snow lose their fight, we welcome another Vermont spring. Longer days of sunshine allow more daylight for meetings with wedding businesses and organizing every last detail. From DIY invitations, fabulous fascinators (wait until you see these!) and 2012 wedding trends, local wedding gurus share their advice with every turn of the page. Vermont brides are beautiful brides, and with articles on health, catering, photography, flowers, and music, within these pages are fresh ideas to help in your planning and ease the decision making process. Our Military Wedding Giveaway has stirred up plenty of attention as the submissions kept pouring in. We are overjoyed at the opportunity to host a wedding for one very lucky member of the military and their partner on September 2, 2012, at Stowe’s distinctive ye olde England Inne. All submissions are now being reviewed; our winners will be profiled in an upcoming issue of Vermont Bride. Thank you to all of our hospitable sponsors for their kindhearted donations of time, services, and expertise. Please visit vermontbridemagazine.com for a listing of these generous businesses. April showers surely bring May flowers, and Vermont Bride brings real love stories, announcements of engagements, wellness, fitness, and fashion features. Put the snow shovel out of sight, find your umbrella, and have it handy for those spring raindrops. Here’s to spring––a season of renewal, regeneration, and beautiful brides and their weddings!
Contributors Grant Allendorf Grant Allendorf is the owner of Supersounds Entertainment (www. supersounds.com), Video Memory and Green Mt. Photobooth ( www. greenmtphotobooth.com). Supersounds has been voted Vermont’s #1 DJ Service. Contact Grant at supersounds.entertainment@gmail.com. Rev. Dr. Michael Caldwell Rev. Dr. Michael Caldwell (whose parishioners call “Rev Michael”) runs the Partnership Center of Vermont (www.coachingcenterofvt. com) from his home in North Wolcott, VT. Along with his ministry in New England’s Congregational tradition, he coaches couples preparing for marriage, and officiates ceremonies all over Vermont, indoors or outside. Contact Michael for a free consultation at 802-888-5811, Email: michael.caldwell.75@alum.dartmouth.org, Website: www.coachingcenterofvt.com
lisa@lisaflute.com. Toria Cornett Involved in physical fitness her entire life, Toria Cornett, ATC, CSCS, has been a professional in the health and wellness field since 2002. She has Certificates in Athletic Training, Sports and Conditioning, Sports Nutrition, and Health Education. She is also mother to Emma, her adorable fouryear-old daughter. Contact Toria at toriadawn@yahoo.com or www. toriaswellness. Joe & Linda Crosby The RaidenShine Photography team consists of two dedicated photographers that have a passion about wedding photography, quality and customer service. Joe and Linda Crosby are both award-winning photographers in their own right and combine to make a great team. Active members of Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI), they meet annually with other WPPI photographers from all over the world to exchange ideas, new products, and new technologies so that they can bring those ideas and technologies to their Vermont Brides. www.raidenshine.com.
Pat Esden Pat Esden: Pat has worked in the wedding industry for over twenty-five years. As a master floral designer and owner of Esden Florist in Fairfield Vermont, she sees the yearly changes in wedding styles and is familiar with the time-honored traditions and in tune with the new conventions. www.esdenflorist.net and http:// www.vermontbridemagazine.com/esden-florist.php Nancy Carlson Fisher, MD Dr. Nancy Fisher offers comprehensive gynecologic services including menopause counseling, contraceptive management, infertility evaluations, pelvic pain evaluation and treatment, management and treatment of abnormal Paps including colposcopy and LEEP, and annual exams with preventive health/ cancer screening for women of all ages. Dr. Fisher also offers the latest technology for laser hair and vein removal and laser skin rejuvenation. Knowing that only Dr. Fisher will see her patients on every visit provides the continuity of care women need and deserve. www. nancyfishermd.com, 802-861-0200. Claudia Gonzalez Claudia Gonzalez is a UVM graduate and freelance fashion writer. She has contributed on fashion photo shoots in NYC and Montreal. She lives in Burlington, VT with daughters Zoe and Mackenzie and boyfriend Dave. Susanna Keefer Susanna’s Catering provides exceptional globally inspired cuisine and unparalleled service to events of any size throughout Vermont. Contact Susanna at 802-635-9094, info@susannascatering.com , www.susannascatering.com.
Lisa Carlson Lisa Carlson freelances throughout Vermont in collaboration with numerous instrumentalists, offering duos or trios of flute with harp, violin, piano, oboe, or cello, as well as solo flute and other combinations. She also teaches flute lessons in Central Vermont. She maintains a web site at www.lisaflute.com and a wedding music blog at www. lisaflute.com/weddingblog. Lisa can be reached at 802-229-9901 or 14
vermont bride Spring 2012
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Colleen Kuerth Colleen Kuerth is the owner of Truly Noted Invitations and Stationery and has over six years of experience designing invitations. Contact her for more information on creating the perfect invitation for your wedding. www.trulynoted.net, info@ trulynoted.net.
Carrie McDougall Carrie McDougall is the owner of Cultural Crossroads, offering customized tours for individuals, family and friends as well as educational and nonprofit organizations. Trips provide cultural opportunities and private unique experiences worldwide. Their tours have been honored by Conde Nast Traveler and have been featured in National Geographic Traveler’s section Tours of a Lifetime. Contact Carrie at (toll-free) 877-479-7040, e-mail Carrie@CulturalCrossroads.com, or visit www.CulturalCrossroads.com. Gayle Oberg Gayle grew up in Springfield, VT and has been in the Stowe/Waterbury area since 1972. Licensed as a Realtor® in 1985, Gayle was also a licensed teacher in the 1990s while her children were on a school calendar. Gayle has been a full-time agent with Coldwell Banker Carlson Real Estate, in Stowe, VT since 2002. Kelli Driscoll joined Gayle in September of 2010 and The Oberg Team was formed. E-mail: gayle@theobergteam.com. WEB: www. theobergteam.com. Karen Sturtevant Karen Sturtevant is a freelance writer, editor of Vermont Bride, and will have her first children’s book published in 2012. She lives in Williston, VT with her longtime partner, Mike, and looks forward to visits from her out-of-state college daughter, Kayla.
Josee Telfer Josee Telfer works at Fiori Bridal Boutique located at Five Corners in Essex Junction. Along with assisting brides in choosing their wedding gown, she manages the Fiori blog. Josee also enjoys doing calligraphy for weddings and special events. She lives in Fairfax with her husband Eric and two sons, Michel and Andrew. Josee@fioribridal. com. www.fioribridal.com 802.872.9663
Did you know? The Pew Research Center report finds that about 15 percent of all new marriages in the United States in 2010 were between spouses of a different race or ethnicity, more than double the share in 1980. The share of intermarriages among all married couples, regardless of when they married, hit an all-time high of 8.4 percent. That’s up from 3.2 percent in 1980. http://weddingindustrystatistics.com/bridal-industry/wedding-industry-statistics-2011-american LIKE US on FACEBOOK
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Innkeeping since 1786
A favorite venue for wedding ceremonies and beautiful receptions in all four seasons. The Brandon Inn has spacious, comfortable public areas including inter-connecting dining rooms with a capacity for 200+ guests and a celebrated Chef/Innkeeper to provide the delicious food.
800.639.8685 20 Park St., Brandon, VT
BrandonInn.com
Listed on the National Historic Register
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Vermont Bride Helping brides plan perfect weddings since 1990 PUBLISHERS
Cover by Jeff Schneiderman Photography
Vickie Karnes, Steven Karnes
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Karen Sturtevant ART DIRECTOR
E.E. Weems Sales & Marketing
Lynn Roberge Joe Karnes
Stay, Celebrate and Enjoy. Twenty private acres above the valley with breathtaking mountain views. Perfect for elegant wedding ceremonies and receptions, rehearsal dinners, and goodbye brunches.
Your Destination Wedding Estate Manchester, VT
800.648.4944 | wilburton.com
Contributing Photographers
Contributing Writers
Larry Asam Photography
Grant Allendorf
Ayer Photography of Vermont
Cara Davis
Green Mountain Photobooth
Michael Caldwell
Ben Hudson Photography Joshua Lambert Photography Lamoureux Photography Landwehrle Photography
Lisa Carlson Toria Cornett Linda & Joe Crosby Pat Esden Nancy Carlson Fisher, MD
Kim Martin Photography
Claudia Gonzalez
Polis Photography
Susanna Keefer
Portrait Gallery
Colleen Kuerth
RaidenShine Photography
Brandi (Corrigan) Littlefield
Jeff Schneiderman Photography
Carrie McDougall
May Walton Photography
Sarah Minor Gayle Oberg
Copy Editors Karen Sturtevant Erik Weems Vickie Karnes Steven Karnes
Tina Patno Jenna Piper Tiffany Sorrentino Karen Sturtevant Josee Telfer Kate (O’Brien) Violette
Vermont Bride • P.O. Box 143 Westford, Vermont 05494
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Copyright © Vermont Bride Magazine www.vermontbridemagazine.com Vermont Bride is published quarterly and is available throughout Vermont and internationally via mail. Statements and opinion published within Vermont Bride Magazine does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Every effort is made for accuracy for all material printed herein, however the publishers of Vermont Bride disclaim all responsibility of liability for omissions and errors. Remember to tell our advertisers that you found them in VT Bride!
Your Wedding | Remembering
Memorable Wedding By Pat Esden
Details
Often it is the smaller details that makes one wedding memorable while another one becomes a blur of fancy dresses, food and music. Most couples put hundreds of hours into their wedding’s larger details—the ceremony, the dresses and tuxes, the reception . . . but long after the wedding is over, what details will stand out in your guests’ memories? At the root of memorable details is making your guests feel special by providing extra comforts and showing them how much you appreciate their presence on your special day. This begins with the invitation. There are endless styles of invitations to choose from, but some have added features which your guests will appreciate. “Save the date” stickers make it easy for a guest to mark their calendar. Keepsake invitations, like those including your engagement photo or in the shape of bookmarks, will be cherished for years to come. For out-of-town guests, offering to mail tourist information such as hardcopies of maps and discount coupons or to email links to informative websites will show them how much their presence means to you. Photo by Ayer Photography, from the wedding of Elizabeth Tobin and Kevin
If your reception is held in a hotel, reserving a floor of rooms for your guests is a good idea.Eddy. YouRead don’tthehave payonline for the rooms; you simply are ensurlove to story at vermontbridemagazine.com ing their availability for your guests. Providing that option is a relief for them and it insures them that the hotel they’ll stay at isn’t a flea palace. Buses from the hotels and homes to the ceremony are a treat for people and allow your guests to socialize before the wedding. Having valet service at
the church or ceremony location is also welcome. You could recruit teenagers to do it for you. Add white or ivory umbrellas and the trip from the curb to the church will leave your guests feeling pampered. How about placing personalized pocket packs of Kleenex in the pews for your guests and welcome baskets with hygiene products in the restrooms? These baskets are often placed at the reception, but
Providing a baby sitter is an incentive for many guests to come. Often a private person
are usually lacking at the ceremony. And don’t neglect or relatives can be hired to watch the children. to do both the ladies’ and men’s rooms. Often guests are unaware that details have sentimental value. If you have a special memorial candles or flowers at the church, mention them in your program or as part of the ceremony, otherwise they are likely to be overlooked by uniformed guests. You could
Are you or your guests animal lovers? How
about personalizing your wedding by providing a pet sitter?
even include a poem about a deceased loved one or a photo in the program. Also be sure to mention why you chose certain songs or colors. Once the guests understand the significance behind your special touches, they will share your feelings and ceremony details will be come as memorable as you intend them to be. Receiving lines are often tedious for the guests and the bridal party, so offering Photo by The Portrait Gallery, from the wedding of Katie Farley and Josh Moore. Read the love story online at vermontbridemagazine.com
beverages and finger food while your guests wait in line are small but welcome continued on the next page LIKE US on FACEBOOK
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Guests always remember the groom’s cake. The themes are endless––the groom’s favorite truck or car, university or fraternal symbols, animals or sports—they rarely fail to bring smiles to the guest’s faces.
Photo by Larry Asam Photography
Memorable Wedding Details Continued from page 19
details.
Once the wedding and reception are over there is one more detail that is sometimes neglected as the hecticness of everyday life takes over—thank you notes.
The music you choose for the reception can either blend into the background or
Once considered mandatory, sending thank you notes to guest have
be memorable. Usually the best way to provide memorable music is to combine
lately been neglected or replaced by a mass emailing. Be sure to snail
live music with a professional DJ—and vary the style of the music as the night
mail thank you notes to all guests and personalize them with a few
wears on, from atmospheric melodies, to dinner music and finally a faster dance
words about the gift they gave you. Better yet, send a copy of a wed-
tempo.
ding photo for them to frame and keep with the thank you.
Token gifts placed on the tables are popular. Instead of giving the same gifts as
The extra time you put into personalizing your wedding details
all your friends did at their weddings or choosing a mass-produced token, stop
and going the extra mile will ensure your guests’ memories are as
and think about what would really remind the guests of you or the location—
heartfelt as yours are. n
and what would tickle their taste buds or be useful after the wedding. Fortune cookies are fun, sure to get your guests talking with one another and when the fortunes are personalized to your wedding they become truly memorable. How about charms and tie tacks that reflect something you love, like skiing, dogs or the flowers from your wedding? Chocolates are a favorite, but how about picking ones decorated to reflect your favorite sports team or home state? CDs with your photo on the cover and the music from your wedding will be enjoyed for years to come. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. Guests always remember the groom’s cake. The themes are endless––the groom’s favorite truck or car, university or fraternal symbols, animals or sports—they rarely fail to bring smiles to the guest’s faces. And that’s how memorial details begin, as happy guests mingle and reminisce about you.
The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
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Vermont Bride is proud to recommend the following featured wedding professionals for all your floral Sarah’s Weddings by Betty’s Flower Basket toll-free: 800 892-7259 (or) 802-524-5703 www.bettysflowerbasket.com Claussen’s Florist & Greenhouse toll-free: 800-287-2361 802-878-4286 www.claussens.com Crimson Poppy Flower Shoppe 802-434-5143 crimsonpoppy@myfairpoint.net See our ad @ VermontBrideMagazine.com Esden Florist 802-827-6160 See our ad @ VermontBrideMagazine.com Hawley’s Florist toll-free: 800-841-4601 802-775-2573 www.hawleysweddingflorist.com (or) www.hawleysflorist.com Howards The Flower Shop toll-free: 800-371-5715 (or) 802-524-5715 www.howardstheflowershop.com Peck’s Flower Shop toll-free: 800-540-2336 (or) 802-888-2332 www.pecksflowershop.com Uncle George’s Flowers toll-free: 800-624-0099 (or) 802-253-9900 www.UncleGeorgesFlowers.com Village Green Florist toll-free: 800-610-7980 802-879-7980 www.thevillagegreenflorist.net
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vermont bride Spring 2012
Vermont fields are alive with wild flowers that stir the imagination and delight the senses. Let these visions help you create your ideal floral scheme. Bright and bold, vivid and strong to delicate and subtle, flowers speak the language of love. Vermont florists are creative professionals that will guide you in style selections from contemporary and chic to classic elegance. Take time to enjoy the natural scenery in
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Double Duty...
By Pat Esden
Gifts for Bridesmaids A fun way for a bride to purchase gifts that will please her attendants is to choose items that can be used on the wedding day and enjoyed afterwards as well. Necklaces and earrings that match the attendants’ gowns are a traditional gift that fills this niche, but nowadays brides often go one step further by buying jewelry that can be used to decorate the stems of the attendants’ bouquets as well as serve for gifts afterwards. Glamorous pins are ideal for this and easy for a florist to clip to the bouquets’ satin wraps. Pins aren’t the only item that can be used on bouquets. Glittery key rings with fobs in the shape of the bridesmaids’ initials work wonderfully—and the letters will help distinguish which bouquet belongs to which attendant. Small engraved lockets or charms can also be used. And don’t forget jewels for the attendants’ hair. Rhinestone hairpins or decorative clips add sparkle to the wedding day and will be cherished forever.
Weather-related gifts by their nature serve a double duty. Umbrellas personalized with a wedding sentiment or the attendants’ names can be purchased in the wedding colors or bright funky colors for a fun touch. Not only will the umbrellas be useful for years to come, but they can be a lifesaver against wedding day showers or sun—and they make a fabulous artsy accent pieces in wedding photos. Even if the wedding is in midsummer, the day or evening could turn cool. Pretty sweaters with satin, rhinestone or pearl buttons in a color that either match or accent the bridesmaids’ gowns are very practical gifts. Matching sweaters also look a hundred times better in photos than a hodgepodge of cover-ups or attendants hugging continued on page 25 www.vermontbridemagazine.com
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ANY SEASON...
We offer breathtaking natural beauty for your special day
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195 Mountain Top Road | Chittenden, Vermont | 802.483.2311 | www.mountaintopinnweddings.com PHOTO CREDITS (IN ORDER) | Barrie Fisher Photographers | Beltrami Studios | LoveBuzzPhoto.com | EllenO’Connor Photography | CurranPhotography.com | Barrie Fisher Photographers
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continued on page 83
Double Duty GIfts for Bridesmaids Continued from page 23
themselves to ward off goose bumps. And who wouldn’t welcome the gift of a new sweater? Or how about a pashmina shawl instead? Bridesmaids often scrimp cost wise when buying shoes to match their gowns. A bride can give her attendants a gift certificate to a shoe store, so the shoes can be upgraded to something that will be enjoyed in the future. Or a bride could simply offer to purchase her attendants’ shoes.
Another shoe related gift would be to purchase footwear for the attendants to wear at the reception. These could be fun glittery flip-flops, pretty ballet flats or even cute sneakers with hearts or jewels on them—anything comfortable and good for dancing in.
foot scrub and nail polishes are sure to please. An easy way to fill up space in larger totes is to put a rolled beach towel on the bottom of the tote, or even a hotel style robe or beach cover-up.
Brainstorming double duty attendant gifts is easy, a bride simply has to think about what the bridesmaids will need on the night before and the day of her wedding. Then upgrade that item from everyday quality to something special either by purchasing a higher quality than the bridesmaids might normally use or by personalizing it with the attendants’ initials or by making it match the wedding colors.
Beauty aides are also a gift that can be used on the wedding day and afterwards.
One of the keys to making beauty items serve double duty is to put them in a keepsake container. A bride could place the beauty items in a pretty china or wooden box. Stripey totes are also perfect, as are make-up bags with hearts on them or even small duffels in the wedding colors. When deciding what to put in the box or bags think of what the attendants might need on the night before and the day of the wedding. High quality shampoos, perfume and even chocolate are good choices, but a bride can also add less expensive fun items like lip gloss and sunscreen, or bath soak and foot scrub. When choosing beauty items try to pick ones that follow a theme such as tropical scented, or use the wedding color or style. Manicure or pedicure sets accented with
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How we met I was browsing the I Spys on Seven Day’s website one morning and I noticed Brian’s picture in the corner of the page. His charming smile, kind and gentle eyes and dimples absolutely caught my attention. I clicked on the link and read all that I could about him and was surprised to see how much we had in common. My favorite piece was the quote that others would say, “that he was a good dad.” Being a parent myself, this is one quality that stood out far beyond the others. We conversed through email for a short time and then on the phone.
I was amazed at how easy it was for us to talk; we felt a quick sense of security with one another. The only small road block was that we lived an hour and half away and had jobs in different counties and children’s schedules to juggle. Despite those small hurdles, we decided to meet for coffee in Stowe, for an hour, which quickly turned into four hours and the desire to see each other soon. We both walked away from our meeting knowing that we needed to see each other again, as soon as possible. Two days later, Brian emailed me that he would drive the hour just to see me for ten minutes. I agreed, and we have been by each other’s sides ever since. Brian and I brought the light of our lives into the relationship––two young boys each––and it didn’t take long for the six of us to become a family. Brian surprised me with his ability to bring instant peace, contentment, safety, love and acceptance into my life. I knew shortly after meeting him that I wanted to be surrounded by him forever. Our engagement We were both 34 when we met and were in a point in our lives where we knew what we did and did not want in a relationship. Brian was having a difficult day and though he didn’t want me to go out of my way, I insisted that I would be there for him, so I drove to his home. On the way there, he said that he needed to ask me something, but I had no idea what he was referring to. After we completed the evening routine with his sons, we laid down next to each other to talk about his day. The conversation quickly turned into Brian telling me about how much it meant to him that I had been there for him, without hesitation. He continued to tell me how he felt about me and “us” and I soaked in every word. Then, much to my surprise, he ended it with, “And that’s why I want to marry you, will you marry me?” The planning Brian and I had only been together for a short amount of time, so while it was a shock to some, many people could already see that we had something different together. Our parents were incredibly supportive of the idea and were very influential along the way. One thing that Brian and I were positive about was the need to plan a marriage and family unit more than the need to plan a wedding. With that said, the party planning was on and we needed to decide on a venue. After searching on-line for something that would spark both of our interests, we found The Ponds at Bolton Valley Resort through the Vermont Bride venue link. We went to visit the site and within moments knew that it was perfect for us. The Wedding We were married on May 21, 2011. We were very fortunate to be surrounded by many loved ones including family, friends and most importantly, our children. The day had started out raining, so The Ponds set up both the indoor and outdoor venues. As my matron of honor and I pulled up to the site, the rain stopped and the sun shone… brightly. I remember being so incredibly excited to see Brian that I couldn’t get dressed fast enough. We decided to do “First Look” photos, so as the photographer had Brian turn his back for my entrance, I moved across the lawn until I was standing behind the man that was soon-to-be my husband. A soft tap on the shoulder led Brian to turn continued on the next page
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vermont bride Spring 2012
Love Story
Brandi (Corrigan) & Brian Littlefield
May 21, 2011 Ceremony and Reception
The Ponds at Bolton Valley Bolton, VT 800-727-4295 thepondsvt.com Cakes
Snaffle Sweets 802-434-2400 snafflesweets.com
Photos by Synchronicity Photography
Love Story | Brandi (Corrigan) & Brian Littlefield Continued from page 27
around and we just smiled, uncontrollably, at each other. I don’t remember hearing the sounds of the camera or onlookers. I only remember that he was so incredibly handsome, standing there in his dark gray suit, ivory shirt and champagne-colored tie. We embraced each other and I’m quite certain that we both fell even more in love at that moment. I walked down the aisle with my father and oldest son, the other three boys walked ahead of me. I was trembling with excitement and nerves, but once Brian reached out his hand, calmness filled the air. Our officiant was Brian’s father, which added a special element to the ceremony for both of us. Our mothers and Brian’s grandmother proudly watched over us and our bridal party (made up of my brother, friend, Brian’s sister and his brother-inlaw) stood by our sides. We both cried tears of joy when reading our vows and the guests melted when they heard the recording of the boys reading a children’s book about love. The rings were family heirlooms, which made them far more precious than what we could have bought in
Featured Vermont Bride wedding professionals: Reception & Ceremony: The Ponds at Bolton Valley 800-727-4295 thepondsvt.com
Additional Wedding Professionals:
Cakes: Snaffle Sweets 802-434-2400 snafflesweets.com
Suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Resource: Vermont Bride 802-879-3157 vermontbridgemagazine.com Photographer: Synchronicity Photography synchronicityphotography.net
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vermont bride Spring 2012
Gowns: Davids Bridal
Flowers: Wildflower Designs Hair and Makeup: Salon Salon Music: Steve Hartmann & Andrew Parker-Renga
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stores. Advice Focus your energies on bringing together a piece of each of yourselves to make the event special. There are many ways to cut costs and still have the wedding of your dreams. Be creative in the process and most of all, forget all of those details on your big day. Guests won’t notice if something small has not gone as planned, so smile, love each other and enjoy the romance of the day, rain, shine or snow! This is your new life together, indulge in it! n
Your Wedding | DESIGN Spotlight on Wedding Flowers Tulips
By Karen Sturtevant
The beauty and welcomeness of tulips are timeless symbols of spring. Next only to the rose and chrysanthemum the striking tulip is one of the most popular flowers in the world. Lovely as a wedding flower, tulips are spring blooming favorites.
ask for forgiveness. Purple tulips are associated with royalty and pink tulips express confidence and happiness.
Cup-shaped, brightly colored with a smooth green stem, tulips have been cultivated for over 500 years. They have their origin in Central and Western Asia. Large fields of tulips are grown commercially in northeastern areas of the United States and in temperate climates in Europe.
A red tulip stands for true love.
Name game The word tulip descends from the Turkish word, “tülbent.”
Tulips that have a center of velvet in texture and almost black in color are said to represent the heart of a lover filled with passion.
History & Legend The father of the Dutch obsession with tulips was botanist, Carolus Clusius. He is said to have popularized the flowers and the first to identify “broken tulips,” a viral infection that caused beautiful streaking in the petals. In the 1600s, tulips were so popular that many people of the Netherlands paid extremely high prices for certain varieties. Looking for a way to make a quick profit, several entrepreneurs gave up their possessions including their homes and jobs to sell tulips. When the overwhelming supply exceeded the lower demand, prices dropped drastically. It was then that Netherlands officials imposed trading restrictions on the prized flower.
Classification of tulips is done based on the blooming season and parentage and divided into 15 classes. Late spring bloomers have names like Breeders, Cottages and Parrots. Midseason bloomers include tulips such as Mendels and Darwins. Uses
A Turkish legend: Farhad, a prince, was in love with a maiden named Shirin. When Farhad learned that Shirin had been killed, he was so overcome with grief that he rode his horse over a cliff killing himself. A scarlet tulip sprang from each droplet of his blood making the red tulip a symbol for true love.
Bouquets, centerpieces, cake decoration. Tulip bulbs make great thank you gifts and wedding favors. Colors & Variations Except blue, tulips come in a wide range of color including red (the most popular), yellow, orange, purple, pink and bicolor. Tulips usually have one flower per stem. However, a few species have up to four flowers per stem. The flowers have three petals and three sepals. The most famous tulip is said to be “Queen of the Night,” a tulip that is a very deep, rich purple (almost black). Depending on the species, tulips grow as short as 4 inches or as high as 28 inches. Variations: single, double, star-like, fringed, elongated, exotic, perfumed or non-scented. Known as “broken” tulips, the flowers with blotched and striped petals or feathered edges are beautiful and unusual.
Lovely as a wedding flower, tulips are spring blooming favorites.
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The variegated tulips seen today have been bred for that specific look and are not the result of the tulip break virus. Symbolism & Meanings The tulip is a symbol of passion, romanticism and dreaminess of perfect lovers with the blooms representing love and happy years. Yellow tulips suggest cheerful thoughts and sunshine while a bouquet of yellow tulips represents elegance and grace.
Orange tulips symbolize warmth, happiness and fascination while white tulips
Availability November - May. Tulips originate from mountainous areas with temperate climates. They are best grown in climates having long, cool springs and early summers. Fun facts There are nearly 4000 garden varieties of tulips, known by various names. The tulip is the national flower of Turkey. Fresh tulip petals add color and texture to salad dressings and garnishes. Tulips belong to the same family as lilies and are relatives of the family which include onions. The tulip is a flower in the genus Tulipa, which comprises of about 150 bulbous species. Tulips grow rapidly, even after they have been cut. It’s not uncommon for cut tulips to grow up to an inch. Known for their interesting display of movement, tulip stems will bend and twist in the direction of light. Tulip bulbs can be dried, powdered, and added to flour or cereal products. Tulips are spring blooming perennials that grow from bulbs and taste like onion. Tulips are so popular that several festivals are held around the world in their honor. In the U.S. tulip celebrations are held in several cities including Albany, New York; Holland, Michigan; Orange City, Iowa; Woodburn, Oregon and Mount Vernon, Washington. n See a list of Vermont floral professionals on page 22. Remember to tell our advertisers that you found them in VT Bride!
WEDDING BARN
whiterocksinn.com
www.vermontbridemagazine.com
White Rocks Inn
1774 US7 South, Wallingford, VT 05773 802.446.2077 | info@whiterocksinn.com
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In a time when awareness of healthy eating has grown, and socially responsible entertaining has become important, wouldn’t it be great to find a caterer who is willing and able to create a wedding menu that truly reflects your personal position and who also understands your dietary needs?
To Your Health and Happiness
on your
Wedding Day By Susanna Keefer Welcome to Vermont! Voted “healthiest overall” state in the nation for the third year in a row by the longest running annual report, we boast a 29 percent vegetarian population as well as a whopping 82 percent of occupants who exercise on a regular basis. We have more farmers markets per capita than any other state––87 counted in 2010 as well as a highly successful and long running partnerships between chefs, restaurants, farmers and food purveyors, namely the Vermont Fresh Network. These attributes provide a solid foundation on which to build a powerful network of caterers and food service professionals who can deliver wedding menus that encompass every dietary consideration, pull from a multitude of cuisines and stretch to any fanciful whim.
We live in a place that naturally inspires romance, a place where the population is proudly working hard to promote good eating habits.
The spectacular settings and an all encompassing affection for our little state have made Vermont one of the top wedding destinations in the U.S. These weddings, which account for one-third of all weddings performed in Vermont, are an introduction to, or a reminder of, just how special Vermont is and how much we as a state have to offer. We live in a place that naturally inspires romance, a place where the population is proudly working hard to promote good eating habits. In the words of the Vermont Fresh Network,
“The quality and beauty of Vermont’s landscape depends upon working farms and working farmers. We hope to educate anyone who visits with us a philosophy
Photos courtesy of Susanna’s Catering
continued on page 34
To Your Health and Happiness on Your Wedding Day
enjoy all of her wedding feast worry free, but would, at the same time, satisfy and impress her guests.
Continued from page 33
of preserving our rural identity and lifestyle in Vermont, of keeping Vermont farms working and keeping our green spaces open.” This translates into the availability and abundance of wholesome, flavorful, nutritious, delicious, fresh and safely grown foods all ready and waiting to adorn your wedding table.
Gluten Free Wedding Menu
Vermont & International Cheese Display Muhamara Dip, Creamy White Bean Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Dip, Szechaun Guacamole served with fresh crudites, corn chips & gluten free bread & crackers Passed Appetizers VT Maple Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
When you start planning your wedding menu, you have the opportunity to defy expectation. Whether you crave uniqueness or strictly adhere to tradition, this is your chance to showcase your ideas, tastes and philosophy.
Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Maple Balsamic Glaze
There is no law to say that you must serve beef, chicken and fish just as there is little reason to feel the need to please that one picky, diet restricted guest. As long as the food is fresh, well prepared and presented, your guests will be happy.
Sweet Potato & Kale Frittata with Feta & Mint Oil
But, what if you do follow a certain diet, whether it be healthy, local, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, pescatarian, kosher or just plain meat and potato? Shouldn’t you be able to serve the same food at your wedding? After all, this day is a reflection of your life so far and of your dreams to come. It is about who you are and what you believe in. There is also the circumstance of more serious food intolerances or severe allergies to certain foods. In this case, the caterer must consider this information and hopefully be able to supply you with choices and an adaptability that will still allow for a feast that captures your personality as a couple while keeping within your dietary boundaries. Let’s take Gluten Intolerance or Celiac Disease as an example. This is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy. The damage is due to a reaction to eating gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats. A bride approached me last year requesting information on my services with the hope that I would be able to cater her Vermont fall wedding. Healthy, local, tasty and totally gluten free! She, being highly allergic to gluten cannot even share a dip that has come into contact with wheat, let alone enjoy a slice of pizza or crusty bread. So, after some generous research and discussion, we came up with the following menu which we decided would allow her to 34
vermont bride Spring 2012
Coconut Fried Shrimp with Ginger Mango Sauce Prosciutto Wrapped Manchego Stuffed Chicken
Shot of Lightly Curried Butternut Squash Soup with Spiced Pumpkin Seeds Kebab Station Thai Lemongrass VT Beef Tenderloin Kebabs Cajun Andouille Sausage and Shrimp Kebabs Teriyaki Glazed Grilled VT Vegetable Kebabs Risotto Station Wild Mushroom Italian Risotto Asian Bamboo Rice Risotto Vermont Bride is proud to recommend these featured Vermont wedding professionals for all your catering needs. The Abbey
State Street Catering
800-696-4748 Enosburg Falls, VT www.theabbeyrestaurant.net
802-229-6788 Montpelier, VT www.statestreetcatering.com
Ben & Jerry’s
Susanna’s Catering
802-222-1665 www.benjerry.com
802-635-9094 Johnson, VT www.susannascatering.com
Junior’s Long Island Catering Co.
802-655-5555 Colchester, VT www.juniorsvt.com The Skinny Pancake
Two convenient locations: Burlington, VT 802-540-0188 Montpelier, VT 802-262-CAKE (2253) www.skinnypancake.com
Sweet Crunch Bakeshop & Catering
802-888-4887 Hyde Park, VT www.sweetcrunchbakeshop. com Tasty Persuasions Catering
802-372-3123 Grand Isle, VT www.tastypersuasions.com
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Roasted Garlic, Butternut Squash & Sage Quinoa Risotto Pesto Sauce, Roasted Sweet Peppers & Artichokes, Cherry Tomatoes & Sweet Corn, Sweet Fried Onions, Parmesan Cheese & Parsley Gluten Free Cupcakes With the help of some great local resources and products, we were able to provide her and her guests with a delicious meal that many of them never realized was gluten free, but which totally fitted into her diet and philosophy. The testimonial that I received confirmed that I had achieved my goal: “We had complete confidence in Susanna’s ability to cater our wedding exactly the way we hoped, with scrumptious food that also happened to be gluten free. She took the time to ask questions and gain a clear understanding of the special dietary needs of our wedding guests, and it was a treat to be able to eat everything offered without having to ask lots of questions or be worried about a reaction. Our guests commented on how knowledgeable the waitstaff were about the food, as well as how helpful they found the mini chalkboard signage describing the eclectic offerings and their ingredients. The wedding menu we designed together with Susanna appealed to the whole crowd, not just the gluten free folks, and many said this was the best wedding food they had ever eaten.” Obviously, gluten intolerance is an exceptional case, but one of many dietary considerations that should be addressed and discussed when you are planning your Vermont wedding. With the plentiful selection of wonderful Vermont produce and the increasing availability of farm fresh meats, cheeses, breads, wines, beers and spirits to the exciting products adorning the local market stalls, catering for the discerning bridal palette and socially conscious client is less of a challenge and more of an adventure. Meat based recipes can be easily translated into vegetarian and vegan delights by creating an array of similar and contrasting textures and a good balance of flavors. Existing classics can be reincarnated using fresh locally sourced ingredients transforming them into exciting new combinations pleasing to any palette. So, as we put behind us another long winter, preceded by climatic challenges that Vermont is still fighting hard to overcome, we embrace the future and look forward to celebrating wedding after wedding with both our locals and our guests. Inspiration is all around, from colors, flavors, seasons, challenges to create and great natural beauty in a state that we are so proud to call home. n
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ECHO_vermontbride_2_9.pdf
2/7/11
10:42:12 AM
With our Lakefront location, breathtaking views of the Adirondacks, three f loors f illed with sparkling aquariums, and elegant indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies, receptions, meetings, and parties, you’ll f ind ECHO to be the most memorable and unique location in Vermont.
C
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Exclusive Building Rentals Private Room Rentals LEED Certified Building Green Weddings
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For more information check out our website under facility rentals or call to speak with a private events coordinator.
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Picture courtesy of Patricia Tedesco, Photography by Patricia
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vermont bride Spring 2012
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10 STEPS to your Perfect Vermont Wedding
Titanium Tungsten Ceramic Zirconium
Camo Designs Cobalt Chrome
IT TAKES PLANNING to carry through to a perfect wedding, and to make sure that you are able to enjoy planning for your special day, follow these basic steps from Vermont Bride Magazine to help you organize all of the details and keep it manageable. AGREE ON THE DATE AND TIME Will your guests include young children? If so, ask yourself: Do you need to accommodate a kid-friendly time for your guests? Daytime weddings work best for little ones, but if you are going to have an adult group, an evening time (like 6:00 P.M.) can start the night right and allow for dancing and carousing with your family and friends. Will many of your guests be traveling more than 50 miles to the event? Do you need a good weekend or a close holiday to make it easier for your wedding party to take time off from their regular schedules? Here’s a tip that can help your schedule and your pocket book: If you look at the calendar and consider the costs of travel at certain vacation-heavy times of the year, you can avoid setting a date that coincides with higher travel costs. CHOOSE YOUR STYLE Formal, informal, semi-formal ? You and your fiancé should consider your guests, but also know what it is you’re going to be comfortable with and happy about once the event is over. What sort of party do you want to throw? Does a sit-down affair with linen and china settings for the entire group sound exciting, or tiring? Are you more of a buffet or BBQ person? Once you can decide on the level of formality you’re hoping for, you can immediately begin ignoring the hundreds, if not thousands of options that are available to you, so that you can narrow the choices to the type of affair that will best fit you and your partner. BUDGETS AND MONEY
www.vermontbridemagazine.com
Don’t pick a number out of the air. Nothing will make you crazier faster than trying to shoe-horn your plans into a fixed number. Of course you need to know your limits; but you also need to know what is essential for your happy day. Arriving at that number is easier once you know the main essentials of your day, and what those costs are. From there you can establish the minimum expenses. You’ll also see what the big ticket items are – and if that’s where you want your money to be directed. PARENTS Are they going to participate in the costs? Will each family have certain items which they will each pay for, thus distributing the costs fairly according to means? It can be uncomfortable for two separate families to discuss such intimate financial details, but you need to remember that the dollar–amounts are not the lead item on your list. Instead, know how much lead time you have until the special day, and consequently time to save and prepare for the financial costs. Weddings can be very expensive, but everyday a successful wedding at a reasonable cost is accomplished because careful planning was done. Building a list of your necessary expenses is the way to make sure you’re going to spend money on the right items that you need, and not something that will prove unnecessary.
Damascus Steel Mokume Gane Carbon Fiber
Silver, 14k, 18k, Platinum CAD Design Custom Made Over 200 bands in stock Free Engraving 170 Woodstock Ave Rutland, VT 05701 802.747.4500 www.vermontdiamonds.com
Budget Tip: If you were to sock away $50 a week toward your wedding costs, you will have saved up $5,200 in 12 months. continued on page 46
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2012 Wedding Trends
Economic woes continue to play a part in today’s weddings. Couples are opting for smaller weddings and choosing to spend their money more wisely. By Cara Davis 38
vermont bride Spring 2012
According to a recent study from TheWeddingReport.com, brides and grooms are paying for more of the wedding bill themselves (to the tune of $10,000 - $20,000), and they’re having more fun with it. “We are seeing couples move away from formal and traditional type weddings to fun, romantic, simple, casual, and unique weddings with a touch of formal and tradition,” the report reads.
5. Tech love.
Here are more trends forecasted for 2012, as couples scale back, simplify and reflect their personalities.
Today’s brides (96 percent of them according to Weddingwire.com) are planning, shopping and registering online and even incorporating technology into the wedding day itself. Online blogs are providing the inspiration brides are looking for to piece together their day. 6. Sweet endings.
1. It’s a small world.
6. Sweet endings.
Couples are keeping a tight rein on guest numbers (under 150), as the overall cost of the wedding is directly affected by how many heads are in attendance.
Dessert buffets continue to take a bite out of receptions, with nontraditional choices like square mini-cakes and cupcake tiers or pies, macaroons, whoopie pies, cake pops, color-coordinated candy and even ice cream sundae stations or a cookies and milk bar. The dessert choices reflect the whimsical, fun nature of today’s weddings.
2. Autumn leads. While June is the reigning month for marriages, September is a close second, and other months including August and October are on the rise. 3. Rustic and vintage themes. Rustic themes and vintage touches continue to trend. Kellie Hanley of Orlando, Florida is planning a “rustic, country chic” wedding this June at the Mead Gardens Amphitheater in Winter Park, Florida and a reception at the local Farmers’ Market “to tie in that ‘barn’ feel we wanted,” she says. To pull off the theme, she’s opting to do most of the decorating herself. 4. DIY reigns. “You can do things for so much cheaper yourself!” says Hanley, who relies on websites or ideas. She’s not alone. Megan Knight, from Coppell, Texas, is taking on most of the wedding day tasks. “Flowers, invitations, website, so far, perhaps even the cake,” she says. “We haven’t decided if we’re going to take on that yet.”
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7. Color me vibrant. Knight, who describes her upcoming Texas wedding as “laid back” and “casual,” is using a formal royal blue theme and softening it with yellow and white accents. Some of the biggest colors this year are purples and green as well as jewel tones, according to TheWeddingReport.com. 8. Casually groomed. Much to the relief of grooms everywhere, tuxedo rentals are out and suits and casual wear are in. TheWeddingReport.com states demand for tuxedo rental is down 11 percent over 2010 numbers (61 percent to 54 percent in 2011). 9. Candid cameras. Formal photos are out and candid shots are in that fit with the look and feel of the wedding day. Demand for photo booths
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Pieces of the Planning Puzzle You have announced to family and friends that you are engaged! Everyone is excited for you both and has so much information to share with you about planning your wedding. Don’t get married in June – there are too many black flies; August are the dog days of summer – much too hot; we are planning a trip for October say your parents; wouldn’t a lovely day in July be nice? But I think your cousin was thinking of July, perhaps May, dear. Be sure to spend time with just the two of you to make the plans that mean the most to you both. You can take all of those family and friends ideas into consideration; perhaps they have some fairly good thoughts or perhaps they blend nicely with your own. Most of us have had a vision of our wedding day since we were five and chasing after the little boy next door or since we attended or were in a wedding where we either saw things we loved or vowed never to have at our own wedding! However you view your wedding day, begin your planning together with thoughts of you and your family and guests. Do you have a large family filled with nieces and nephews? Have you worked in the same job for many years and want to invite most of the firm?
The main basis of your guest list will aid you in your first step – choosing a location for your wedding ceremony and reception. Ask yourself – will there be many children present, will they be at the ceremony as well as the reception, will they stay for the meal, are their parents a part of the bridal party, etc. With a broad view of your guest list, you should easily be able to envision your celebration in the locations you visit, the menus you look at, and the general flow of your event. Yes, you are planning an event – the biggest one in your life, for the moment!
By Lauri Boyden
need all the clear answers to best plan your event and make very important decisions. Now is the time for you both as a couple to test your decision making skills. Your future mother in law will have her input as to the colors the dresses should be or your father may refuse to wear the tuxedo unless he gets to wear suspenders. You will have been told that sunflowers are Aunt Mary’s absolute favorite and she would be so honored to have them in your bouquet. Do you want sunflowers in your bouquet? If not, now is the time to speak up. You know that since you were five years old you wanted daisies in your bouquet. Daisies are best found in June so forget the black flies, throw caution to the wind and decide together that June 23 shall be the day! Stay with in the budget that the two of you have decided on.
Daisies are along many country road sides so have your wedding party help you gather some. Make lists of what each caterer, location, photographer, etc. has to offer and choose according to your budget as well as favorite options. Through all the decisions and planning, an event will be born. Once you are able to place the pieces of this puzzle together you will know you are ready for your celebration.
Listen and take note of all of the families and friends requests or sentiments. Work a few into your plan to honor those you truly love and leave the rest behind. No one will ever know once they are a guest at your lovely event. They will recall how striking the daisy
Lauri Boyden is the owner and event coordinator for the Barn at Boyden Farm; Cambridge, VT. Surround yourself in the beauty of Lamoille County farm land and all that a true Vermont Farm has to offer your special celebration. www.boydenfarm.com
Shop around for locations, for caterers, the perfect photographer that will capture the everlasting memories of this event. Be careful not to place a deposit on a location or a vendor that you aren’t positive you will use. Most of these deposits are nonrefundable in order to reserve your date – you are not the only couple searching for everything they need on this particular date. Unless you are looking at a location which can accommodate more than one event in a day, your event takes full attention so your deposit secures this for you. Be certain to ask many questions of all vendors, whether you feel the questions are silly; you
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vermont bride Spring 2012
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2012 Wedding Trends
Continued from page 39
In The Heart of Burlington, VT BPOE 916 Burlington Elks Lodge • On-site Weddings • Receptions • Rehearsal Dinners • In-house Coordinator
continues to rise as a fun way to capture memories.
Outside Space For Large Tented Events!
10. Nontraditional gifts. Non-traditional gift registries are popping up, allowing couples to register for gift cards according to their tastes and needs, as research shows that couples are waiting longer to get married (brides are 27 on average, grooms 29). 11. Close to home. TheWeddingReport.com predicts destination weddings will decline or remain flat in 2012 as couples are sticking close to home for the wedding day. They’re also choosing more outdoor and/or all-inclusive locations to simplify their weddings and save money. 12. Staying put. Not only are couples staying close to home, they’re opting to host the ceremony and reception in the same location––again, to save money and simplify. Cindy Vega, who describes her upcoming wedding as “a little nontraditional” and “simple” has chosen Ashton Gardens in her hometown of Houston, Texas, because the onsite chapel and reception hall will allow them to keep the festivities in one location. n www.vermontbridemagazine.com
802-862-1342 bpoe916events@comcast.net www.bpoe916.com
Wedding Package $40.00/person - includes: Chef Carved Top Sirloin Smoked Boneless Baked Ham Atlantic Salmon with Raspberry Sauce Caesar Salad Oven Roasted Red Potato, & Vegetable Hors d’oeuvres – Cheese or Veggie Platter Champagne Toast Cake by Quality Bake Shop Centerpieces by Village Green Florist We are pleased to customize the menu upon request!
Offer valid through 3/31/2012 Does not include Non-refundable room deposit.
Did you know? Couples spend $582 on gifts for each other. The #1 gift from bride to groom is a watch; the #1 gift from groom to bride is jewelry. They’ll also spend an additional $760 on gifts for parents ($254), bridesmaids ($268) and groomsmen ($238). #1 gift for bridesmaids is jewelry; #1 gift for groomsmen is liquor related (flasks, shot glasses, steins or premium liquor). Liquor has increased in importance with 92% having some type of bar, toast or signature cocktail and liquor or alcohol glassware gifts for groomsmen doubling since 2009. 1 in 5 use a mobile app to help plan, shop for or register for their wedding. 17% use a social media app to plan, shop or register. Nearly 1 in 5 couples are now using evites or emails to invite guests to the wedding or save the date. LIKE US on FACEBOOK
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Your Wedding | YOUR Way
by Rev. Dr. Michael Caldwell, Partnership Center of Vermont
“I’m not religious, but I’m very spiritual” If the coach had a hundred dollar bill for every time he heard this from brides getting married in her three decades of officiating weddings, she’d be rich. She remained a bit baffled by it. The interesting thing was that she rarely heard it from grooms. So she made a decision. The next time she heard it from a bride, she’d ask the groom what he thought it meant. Valerie and Ben contacted the wedding coach about their wedding next summer at the Mountain Chapel in Stowe. They lived in Pennsylvania, but loved Stowe––a place for ski vacations, primarily, for them and their families over the years. So it was natural for them to look for a mountain venue there for their wedding. Next trip up, they met with the coach on a sunny afternoon at the Chapel, a perfect setting for small weddings (up to forty guests), available whenever the Toll Road was open for vehicular traffic in the summer and fall or whenever the lifts ran winter and spring. “I’m not religious, but I’m very spiritual,” said Valerie. There it was again. The coach was ready for the question. “Ben, does that describe you too? What’s your perspective on it?” “Not sure. I guess I’m agnostic. Not sure that makes me even ‘spiritual.’” “If you were to put words together, though, to say what you think Val means, what words would you use?” “Well, maybe that she relies on a Spirit for guidance in life?” “Val, does that ring true for you?” “Yeah, except what I really mean is that organized religion doesn’t work for me. I grew up in the Church. It was good in a way but then as I got older it just seemed too antiquated and backward-thinking to take seriously. I mean, we’re not even allowed to use birth control when we’re married, according to the Church. We only want a couple kids, no more, so it feels hypocritical to stay in the Church…” “You know there are churches which celebrate contraception as good ethics?” “I’ve heard that, but they can be too liberal about other things too…” “Oh, so being ‘spiritual’ means you’re not too conservative, not too liberal; is that what you mean?” Valerie and Ben looked at each other, confused. At that point the coach fessed up. “You guys are asking to be married in a Chapel. It’s a sacred space stewarded by the interfaith religious communities of Stowe. They ask those of us who are chaplains here to respect the integrity of the space by inviting couples into serious inquiry into what they believe jointly about the Spirit of unity which every tradition espouses as the divine love that fuels our human love. I’m just pushing you to begin a conversation about what you believe, so that the words you use for your wedding have meaning and integrity. I mean, what’s the spiritual glue that will hold you together when times are tough?” It was Ben’s turn to jump in. “You know, my folks were Unitarians. They were as liberal as Val’s parents were conservative. I didn’t know what to believe, but if I had to say what I hope we believe together, it’s that a Spirit will hold us together, invisibly, whether stormy times or smooth sailing––a Spirit of love and faithfulness.” “Val?” “Yeah, I like that.” “Okay, so here’s one more question for you––to think about in the next month or two as you put your vows together for our next planning session: if you had to say what you’re spiritual community was, what would it be? And how would it encourage you in keeping your vows?” The coach played her hand. Whether couples described themselves as “religious” or “spiritual,” what “community” or “tradition” would offer an anchor for them––together–– when times got tough? It was a lot to think about. n
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Rev. Dr. Michael Caldwell (whose parishioners call “Rev Michael”) runs the Partnership Center of Vermont (www. coachingcenterofvt. com) from his home in North Wolcott, VT. Along with his ministry in New England’s Congregational tradition, he coaches couples preparing for marriage, and officiates ceremonies all over Vermont, indoors or outside.
Contact Michael for a free consultation at 802-888-5811 michael.caldwell.75@ alum.dartmouth.org Website: www.coachingcenterofvt.com
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Your Health | Med Spa
Happy spring from Lumina!
By Nancy Carlson Fisher, MD
As the hours of daylight increase and the days warm up we tend to do more and stay up later. Sleep It is important to remember as we enter this time of year to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Sleep maintains good health and allows people to function at their best. We need sleep to think clearly. Parts of the brain that help us learn and remember are very active when we sleep. Not getting enough sleep can make it difficult to focus the next day which can lead to poor decisions and performance. We also need sleep to maintain a good and stable mood. Studies show that lack of sleep negatively affects relationships and increases the risk of developing depression. Lack of sleep can also adversely affect one’s health. Medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity increase with poor sleep habits. Adhering to a sleep schedule is important. Avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and exercise late in the day improves sleep. Alcohol disrupts the REM portion of a sleep cycle so avoiding alcoholic beverages before bed will result in a deeper and more prolonged night’s rest. Large meals and a stimulating environment (television and computers) close to bed-
LUMINA 1775 Williston Rd., Suite 220 So. Burl., VT 05403 802-861-0200 www.nancyfishermd.com
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time will make falling asleep and staying asleep more difficult. Medical conditions such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and insomnia can all affect the ability to sleep and you should consult your physician if you think you may have one of these disorders.
Radiofrequency in Aesthetics Radiofrequency is a form energy that is used to treat many cosmetic skin conditions. Because it is not a form of light, radiofrequency can be used on all skin types without the risk of changing the skin’s pigmentation. Lumina is pleased to announce the addition of the e2 Matrix system offering the Subablative treatment using one of the most advanced forms of radiofrequency . Subablative treatments are done in a series of three and are ideal for treating acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, large pores and laxity. Because eye protection is not necessary with this treatment, the skin around the eyes can be adequately addressed. This area typically shows the signs of aging and sun damage first and is frequently challenging to treat. More information on this procedure is available at nancyfishermd.com.
Eating Healthy Did you know that there are cancer fighting chemicals in most fruits and vegetables? Some of these chemicals have been studied more extensively than others. The American Institute of Cancer Research’s website, aicr.org, has all the information you need to determine which foods provide the most cancer-preventive substances. One section of the website even has recipes! If possible buy organic food and produce as these products will not contain harmful pesticides, antibiotics, or hormones. n
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10 STEPS to your Perfect Vermont Wedding Continued from page 37
THE RING For many, this is a question that is already handled well before the planning is begun, but the method for handling the question of “which ring” can also be applied to other items. Drop hints, point out what rings you have seen that you admire, do some window shopping. Inform other people with whom he may be talking about it with. If you are able, come right out and raise the subject. If by some chance he presents a ring that you simply do not like, suggest having the setting for the stone changed to something you will enjoy. DESTINATIONS Vermont is one of the most important wedding capitols in the United States, and you will have many choices available to you. A big plus is that by having your event locally, you are in a better position to estimate costs carefully. If you have guests coming in from further away, consider asking travel agents for help in recommending the best methods for getting them to you. Your information might help a distant guest who is unable to work out the details themselves, and so make it easier for them to be with you on your special day. THE DRESS The number of possibilities can be overwhelming, but you can get a head start just by looking in your own closet. By reviewing what you have chosen in the past which makes you look your best, you can keep yourself focused while shopping. Will you be using a family heirloom? Be sure to find a good tailor to make the appropriate alterations, and be sure to schedule it well in advance. WEB SITES AND MAGAZINES: VTBride1-8.pdf
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May Walton Photography
The amount of visual information is awesome, and you can enjoy hours upon hours of looking. You can also get a good start at your local boutiques and vendors, and what they can do for you. THE GUEST LIST Unless your budget is essentially unlimited, it is unlikely you will be able to invite the horde of guests you and your fiancé might compile. Instead, with a budget established, it is time to match your reception space to the guest list. You will likely have to pare your list, with the help of your family. If necessary, assign each family a third of the possible guests, and reserve one-third for the bride and groom’s guests. n
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Did you know? The #1 theme for weddings is beach, tropical, luau. 14% of couples have a friend or family member ordained in order to perform the ceremony.
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Only 42% will have either a sit-down or buffet meal. Instead, couples are opting for cocktail hour (58%), passed hors d’oeuvres (46%), dessert stations (28%), food stations (19%), picnic/barbeque (5%), sushi chef (2%), wine tasting (2%), food trucks (1%) or cheese mongers (1%).
Your Wedding | Music By Lisa Carlson
A 1927 photograph shows my grandparents on their wedding day, beaming with the newlywed glow of any young couple. My grandfather was a man of few spoken words, though he once wrote, “I married a very wonderful girl in 1927…” and “We grew apples, potatoes, and peaches but our most important crop was our daughter and three sons.” I recall only one time, in the twelve years that our lives overlapped, that he spoke to me, the sixth of his ten grandchildren, directly. I was seven or eight and he in his mid-seventies, and slowing from progressing
cancer. He sat in an easy chair during the day and once motioned to me to come to where he was. He took my hand and said, “Where’s that chubby little girl? You’re almost grown up!” I remember the touch of his work-worn hand and the look in his eye. In hindsight I see in his face that I was, in that moment, along with my cousins and siblings, not only his most precious crop but the reason for every crop of his 75+ years, for every trip up the apple tower to survey the orchards, for every apple picked or pressed, eaten or sold, sauced or baked in a pie by my
Personalize Your Wedding Music:
Honoring Loved Ones
Through Music Choices
A unique set of emotions can be evoked by a particular song or tune, for you, your love, or your guests. Your own emotional reaction to a particular tune is colored by the set of experiences that have defined and shaped your life, or your lives as a couple, or as a member of a family.
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grandmother. We were the reason his parents immigrated from Sweden, and he, the youngest of their twelve children, was the only one to live, marry, and have children in this new country.
Every family has a precious and unique history. What better time to honor your loved ones than your wedding day? There are many ways to go about it, but consider what your music choices can say. At my wedding, I chose to include movements from Ingolf Dahl’s “Variations on a Swedish Folk Tune” to honor both of my grandfathers’ Swedish ancestry. We chose to have a contradance at the reception largely because we both loved contradancing, but it also honored both New England and Celtic roots. If you want a ceremony and reception that thoroughly reflects a specific heritage, you may wish to choose a Klezmer band for a Jewish wedding, or a French Canadian Band to reflect French roots, or a similar choice. But many wedding couples may wish to have primarily classical music, but include some specific selections to reflect specific people or family backgrounds. I’ve often played Celtic selections for this purpose, intermixed with the classical. On one occasion I played a traditional Korean song, “Doraji,” as part of the prelude, to honor the bride’s Korean heritage. For weddings where one or both members of the couple are partially of Jewish descent, I enjoy movements from Michael Isaacson’s “A Jewish Wedding Suite,” arranged for flute, violin and cello. Movements from this suite include the folk songs “Dodi Li” (My Beloved), “Eishet Chayil” (A Woman of Valor), “Ma Navu” (The Messenger of Good Tidings), and more. Any of these folk tunes could also be played on other instruments, with the proper arrangement.
There are infinite possibilities for couples wishing to reflect virtually any family background. (Bear in mind that depending on musicians and instruments chosen, as well as cost of purchasing music or potential complexity of arranging the music, there may––or may not––be additional fees involved, and certain specific selections may not work for certain instrument combinations). Perhaps a grandparent had or has a special hymn or song they always loved. Another thought may be to ask your grandparents or parents what was played at their wedding. Or if no one knows, perhaps you might wish to choose something that was popular at the time of their wedding. “It Had to Be You” was written in 1924, around the time my grandfather would been wooing my grandmother “away from the other fellow” (according to recent information from my uncle!). Hearing the song reminds me that my grandparents’ generation so long ago was not so different from my own generation, or from younger or future generations, reflecting the thoughts, the love, the care that any young couple today feels for one another. n
We’re all part of the story, taking what came before and weaving it into the future.
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Life’s Biggest Moments are Better When Shared
By Tiffany Sorrentino
Dream of your wedding day with a ceremony in an outside garden courtyard or inside under an open atrium with gazebo with sounds of waterfalls in the background. After you say, “I DO” enjoy photograph opportunities in front of a roaring fireplace or on a grand staircase while your guests enjoy specialty cocktails and hors d’oeurves before entering a grand ballroom boasting exquisite chandeliers and unmatched elegance for your reception celebration. Here guests will dine on award-winning food and dance the night away as you celebrate the first day of the rest of your lives together. From intimate gatherings to large celebrations, the Sheraton Burlington is the perfect venue for your wedding. We offer a full service experience with seasoned professionals to attend to your every need, from food to flowers, lighting to linens; we are here to help make the planning process smooth and your event seamless.
The Sheraton Burlington offers an all-inclusive location that can host everything on your check list from your bridal shower and rehearsal dinner to your ceremony and dream reception. Your guests will enjoy the convenience of having everything in one location. We offer group discounted room rates for your overnight guests and provide a complimentary deluxe guest room for the bride and groom on their wedding night. Gather to say goodbye and thank your guests for being a part of your special day with an onsite farewell brunch. Our wedding packages are priced to allow you to have a multitude of choices that allow you to customize a memorable event that meets your budget. We include many upgraded items that other venues don’t typically include in their packages. We offer white chair covers with a variety of different sashes to choose from, votive candles for your tables, unlimited hors d’oeurves throughout the cocktail hour, the traditional champagne toast, and a few other great enhancements. If you are looking for a different menu selection, we would be happy to put together a specialized menu just for you. No matter the size of your guest list, we will work with you to ensure that your special day is unique. Let our professionals help with the planning from start to finish. We even set up all of your decorations on the day of your event for you so you can enjoy the day and spend time taking in this momentous occasion. There is no additional fee for setup, and we waive the room rental fee if the food and beverage minimum is met. Honeymoons are our specialty. Our special wedding offer through Starwood Hotels and Resorts allows you to receive 1 Starpoint for every $1 dollar spent on your wedding. These points transfer into free night stays at our award-winning hotel locations all around the world. You receive these points as soon as the contract is signed so you can book the honeymoon of your dreams in a location you always imagined! You can also sign up for a honeymoon registry so guests can purchase gift spa appointments and more to make your honeymoon unforgettable. Vermont is a beautiful location for your wedding whether you are local to the area or coming from afar. Choosing the right wedding venue is typically one of the largest and most important decisions you will make as it provides the ambience for your day. Let the professionals at the Sheraton Burlington help make your vision come to life as you create an experience you will remember forever. n Tiffany Sorrentino is a Wedding Specialist at the Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Center. Please feel free to contact her by phone at 802-865-6620 or by e-mail at Tiffany.sorrentino@sheraton.com. For more information about the professional ‘wedding’ services offered at the Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Center, be sure to visit their website: www.starwoodpromos.com/weddings/sheraton/606/.
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After you say, “I DO” enjoy photograph opportunities in front of a roaring fireplace or on a grand staircase while your guests enjoy specialty cocktails and hors d’oeurves before entering a grand ballroom boasting exquisite chandeliers and unmatched elegance for your reception celebration.
Photos by RaidenShine Photography
Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Center
Vermont Bride ENGAGEMENTS Shawna Lynne Wakeham and Thomas Joseph Smith Reginald and Patricia Wakeham of St. Johnsbury, Vermont are proud to announce the engagement of their daughter, Shawna Lynne Wakeham, to Thomas Joseph Smith, son of Thomas and Ann Smith of Kensington, New Hampshire. Ms. Wakeham is a 2007 graduate of Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Anthropology. Mr. Smith, also a 2007 graduPhoto by Jeff Schneiderman Photography ate of Saint Michael’s College, received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. An October 6, 2012, wedding is planned at Saint Michael’s College with the reception to be held at the Old Lantern in Charlotte, Vermont. Congratulations on your engagement Shawna and Thomas, and best wishes from all of us at Vermont Bride!
Vermont Bride ENGAGEMENTS Christine Elizabeth Peacock and Jeffrey Vance Robert and Catherine Peacock of South Burlington, Vermont announce the engagement of their daughter, Christine Elizabeth Peacock, to Jeffrey Vance, son of David and Katherine Vance of Herndon, Virginia. Ms. Peacock graduated from Vermont Technical College and is employed as a Registered Dental Hygienist at the Dental Center of Herndon. Mr. Vance graduated from Old Dominion University and is employed as a data analyst at Team Velocity Marketing in Dulles, Virginia. A July wedding is planned. Best wishes, Christine and Jeffrey, for much happiness, laughter and love. Photo by RaidenShine Photography
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Wedding, Tents & Events Opens New Showroom in Waterbury!
By Jenna Piper, Event Coordinator Weddings, Tents & Events has opened a new wedding showroom conveniently located on Main St. in Waterbury, VT. Meet with one of our experienced event coordinators to choose everything from linen, china, flatware and glassware, to lounge furniture. Whether you have already planned your entire wedding or need help choosing vendors, with etiquette advice or with design, we are here to help! For a more personal experience, contact us today to make an appointment. Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Saturdays 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 888.898.3839 jenna@weddingstentsevents.com www.weddingstentsevents.com
Weddings, Tents & Events 53 N. Main St. Waterbury, VT
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Photos by Landwehrle Photography
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How to DIY Invitations––Layering and Embellishing, Part II
By Colleen Kuerth
If cost worries are ruining the planning of your big day, don’t fret because it doesn’t have to be that way with everything. My article in the winter issue of Vermont Bride went over the basic steps for creating your own invitations at home. From the design to printing, I detailed the best practices for making the process go smoothly. Now that you have the printed pieces done, it’s time to add your personality and flair before sending them out to wow your guests. There are many levels of detail and embellishment that you can add to your invitation suite, from a simple ribbon tied around the top to a multilayered pocket style to hold all of your inserts in one place.
and you will have to size your printed invitation layer accordingly.
So let’s say you want to end up with a 5” x 7” invitation to fit inside an A7 envelope. That means the bottom layer of cardstock will be 5” x 7”. Next you need to think about how wide of a border you would like to show for each layer. A 1/2” or 1/4” border is fairly common, but you can go as large as 1” or as small as 1/8”. Just remember that your invitation wording and design must fit within the space leftover, so depending on your wording and format you may need to stick to the smaller We will begin with the simple and easiest idea, sized border. If you are going to have more than one layer behind the invitation, it will look best to vary the thickness of the border. A wide border for the A note of caution before we get started: DIY invitabottom most layer, and a very thin tions are not for everyone. If you envision a pocketfold border up against the invitation bursting with custom coordinated inserts, beautifully looks nice, or vice versa.
layered cardstock and bound with lace, I implore you to seek out a professional. They take a lot of time, patience and know-how to put together. To avoid the headache and possibility of expensive re-dos, some things are better left to the experts. Do-it-yourself invitations are best, for your sanity and pocketbook, when kept sweet and
which is adding a layer (or two) of colored or patterned cardstock to the back of your invitation. You can also add layers to the other insert cards in your suite if you so desire. Once you know the right tools and techniques for effortless execution then you can apply that knowledge to any other stationery or signs you will be making for your wedding.
The first invitation I ever made (which was for my own wedding in 2006) I put together completely with glue sticks. Please do not use glue sticks. Learn from my mistake! The upside to glue sticks is that they worked. As in the paper stuck together. The downside is that the glue bled through the paper, making dark marks on the darker colored cardstock, it took a long time to dry and the paper warped as it dried leaving little waves and wrinkles. Maybe no one else really noticed it as much as I did, but there are better tools out there, so please don’t suffer like I did!
One thing to keep in mind is if you think you would like to have a multilayered invitation then you will need to start planning the layout before you print your invitations. The reason for this is because whatever size the bottom layer will be needs to be correct to fit inside your envelopes,
I have tried many other glues and goos along the way and what I discovered is that nothing works better than adhesive transfer tape. It is kind of like double-sided sticky tape, except it is used with an applicator gun that directly places the adhesive onto the paper. It’s super strong,
Photos compliments of Truly Noted
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Go over your measurements a couple of times and make sure you account for all four sides when determining what size to make each piece of cardstock. Many cardstock companies offer their paper in different sizes to save you from having to cut out each layer, or they offer a custom cutting service and will cut the paper to whatever size you would like. However, it is often cheapest if you buy larger sheets and cut them to size. Be sure to buy extras because you are bound to make mistakes in the next phase–– putting it all together.
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doesn’t have to dry and is an instant, permanent bond. The gun I use is fairly expensive but has the advantage of being refillable and the refills are cheap. If you are planning on doing a lot of similar projects, or are into scrapbooking, then I recommend going for the Scotch ATG Applicator. The 1/2” wide tape is the best size as it has the most uses. If you don’t want to shell out $60.00+ then you can buy smaller, disposable applicators at any major craft store in the scrapbooking section. Just make sure you get the permanent adhesive ones and you get several because you can go through a lot of tape depending on how many layers you are doing and how many invitations you are making. The adhesive guns are useful for working with ribbon as well, especially if you want the ribbon to wrap around the invitation. Ribbon is a versatile way to add some personality to your invitation since it comes in many different colors, textures and sizes. Raw silk ribbon adds a rustic yet elegant flair, while satin ribbon is more polished and sophisticated. You can also purchase lace ribbon or lace trim to use as embellishment. For a more layered look pair a wide lace ribbon with a thinner satin ribbon on top and tie in a knot. Ribbon can either be wrapped around as a solid band or adhered to the back of the invitation and tied it in the front as a bow. If you want a slightly easier way of adding ribbon, you can also put two hole punches about an inch apart wherever you would like the bow to be and then thread the ribbon through. For an even more stunning look, add a dazzling crystal buckle to the ribbon. Speaking of crystals, they can also be a fun way to add some sparkle and charm to your project. Fairly inexpensive when bought in bulk, you can use different colored crystals as an accent on a floral illustration or brocade design. Or place one larger, colored crystal at the top between two flourishes to make a bold statement. This is where the craft glue will come in handy. Make sure you get something that will dry clear and has a small tip that will dispense only a small amount of glue at a time. Although this process can be time-consuming depending on how many invitations you are making, the end result will have your guests oohing and aahing over the attention to detail. Some other fun and unconventional embellishments that have been popping up in invitation design include peacock feathers, birch bark, seashells, stitching (yes, with a sewing machine!), burlap bags and silk flowers to name just a few. In short, the possibilities are endless to create a custom wedding suite that is completely and uniquely yours. The important thing to keep in mind is that your wedding invitation should not only reflect the theme of your wedding day, but also your personalities and what makes your relationship special. There is no cookie-cutter right and wrong about what your invitations should be, so have fun with it. n
Vermont Bride is proud to recommend the following featured wedding professionals for all your wedding invitations & stationary needs: That’s Inviting! Truly Noted 802-318-3125 Colchester, VT www.thats-inviting.com
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802-373-4547 Jericho, VT www.trulynoted.net
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Flash of Fashion
The Look of By Josee Telfer What is it about getting engaged that turns us into sentimental romantics? Once we’ve said “yes” and are proudly sporting a shiny new engagement ring we begin to dream about our wedding day, what the weather might be like, how the venue will look, the flowers we’ll carry and of course what we’ll wear. Let’s be honest, most of us have thought about our wedding day since we were little girls. We envision ourselves in a beautiful gown, stunning our groom and guests as we make our way down the aisle to music softly playing in the background. The thing about bridal fashion as with all fashion is that it is never static––it is always changing and evolving cyclicly: making what was once old new again. This year ultra modern silhouettes and stiffer fabrics have given way to a softer, more romantic style. A nod to the allure and glamour of the past is seen in re-embroidered lace appliques, illusion necklines, corsets and ornate crystal beading. So, just what does a romantic gown look like? Whether we consider our style modern, traditional, whimsical or simple, romance is almost always the unspoken basis for what we’re looking for––the “I’ll know it when I see it” is actually the quality that cannot be measured nor defined. It is, simply put, how beautiful we feel. What you’ll really be wearing on your wedding day is the smile on your face that speaks to the joy, hope and love you feel inside. The gown is the supcontinued on page 60
Casablanca 2063 Tea-length soft layered tulle and satin gown with mini pearls and crystals accenting the bodice. Waistband finished with brooch and satin bow. Colors: Ivory, White, Champagne
Love Vermont Bride is proud to recommend Fiori Bridal Boutique for all of your
wedding gown needs.
Casablanca 2060 Deep V ruched satin halter a-line gown with pearl and crystal appliquĂŠ on bodice.
Fiori Bridal Boutique is located in the heart of Essex Junction, Vermont. As every love affair has its own story, so does every wedding ensemble. Piece by piece, Fiori Bridal consultants can assist every bride in making her dream a beautiful reality no matter what your style may be, romantic, refined, simple, glamorous, or whimsical. Fiori Bridal Boutique 802-872-9663 www.fioribridal.com
spring fashion 2012
The Look of Love
Continued from page 59
porting actor, not the star. Choose a gown that complements you––your personality, your body, your day. Don’t worry about silhouettes, fabrics, necklines or trends; just be sure you choose the dress that makes you feel like the beautiful beaming bride that you are. All of the gowns pictured can be found at Fiori Bridal Boutique. We strive to make sure your dress-shopping experience is special, fun and uniquely tailored just for you. We have dresses in every style, in every price point, for every bride.
Essense of Australia D1316 Dolce Satin trumpet gown with lace and flower accents. Detachable sheer strapless jacket and satin sash included. Colors: Ivory, white, oyster and pewter.
Essense of Australia
Flash of Fashion
D1287 Royal Organza drop waisted gown with sweetheart neckline and satin-edged tiers. Satin beaded belt included. Available in both lace up and zip-up. Colors: Ivory and White
Visit us at www.fioribridal.com or call to schedule an appointment at continued on page 62
Martina Liana 387 Silk Satin Organza with lace. Detachable long-sleeved sheer jacket with lace applique and flower detail. Crystal beaded sash available.
The Look of Love
Continued from page 61
872-9663. 18 Main Street, Essex Junction, Vermont 05452
Martina Liana Silk Organza and lace gown with detachable long-sleeved sheer jacket with lace appliquĂŠ detail.
Flash of Fashion
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Watters Gabrielle 1042B Airy Blush silk mousseline tiered strapless. Bodice embellished with beaded and handembroidered flowers. Colors: Blush, Ivory, White
Watters Gabrielle 1033B Silk organza strapless with tonal ivory silk taffeta skirt. Mother of pearl and crystal beaded detailing on bodice. Grosgrain ribbon sash at natural waist.
The Beginning Matt and I met on the first snow of 2004. In retrospect, this seems fortuitous, but on that cold November night, it was annoying. My new roommate, Sarah, was trying to convince a group of us to go see a band from her hometown, but most of us were happy to settle in for the night. After about an hour of badgering, I decided to appease my new friend and brave the cold. As soon as we walked into Providence College’s on-campus bar, Matt caught my eye. I don’t know if it was his guitar playing, his good looks, or his ripped old jeans, but the minute I saw him, I knew I had to talk to him. When we look back on it, we both comment on how strange it was to connect with someone so well so suddenly. Maybe this is what motivated Matt to drive nearly two hours every day of the next three years to visit me, and to commit to driving the over four hours it took to visit me in Vermont during the summer. Our relationship continued to develop through college, and towards my senior year I had a decision to make: do I return to Vermont as planned, or do I stay in Massachusetts to be with Matt after graduation? I had never planned on living permanently outside of Vermont; in fact, the only reason I attended PC was to experience life outside of my home state for four years of my life. I had always planned on moving back, but would I give up my relationship with Matt to hold onto my Vermont identity? The answer was no. As difficult as it was, and still is, to be away from my family and my home, I know that it would be even more difficult to be without Matt. He made me feel that home could be anywhere as long as I was with him.
The Engagement After making such a monumental decision to stay in Massachusetts, I knew that we’d end up getting married. It wasn’t until two and a half years later, in November 2010, that he proposed. I knew Matt was up to something. The night before, we had celebrated our six-year anniversary and, to be honest, I was expecting him to propose then. He didn’t, so the next morning when we got up for our Saturday morning walk at a local park, I was suspicious. My suspicion only grew when Matt kept touching the pocket of his jacket and walking ahead of me with our dog to find a “good spot to rest.” He finally found a spot, took off his jacket, and then asked me to get our dog a treat from his pocket. Feeling like an
Spring 2012 Cover Bride The West Monitor Barn, Richmond, VT October 8, 2011
Kate (O ’Brien) & Matt Violette As soon as we walked into Providence College’s on-campus bar, Matt caught my eye. I don’t know if it was his guitar playing, his good looks, or his ripped old jeans, but the minute I saw him, I knew I had to talk to him. Photography by Jeff Schneiderman Photography
Kate (O’Brien) & Matt Violette
Continued from page 65
idiot for assuming that dog treats were an engagement ring, I walked over to the jacket and reached into his pocket. This foolish feeling only lasted for a second, because when I reached into his jacket pocket, I didn’t feel dog treats, I felt a box. I took out the box, turned around, and there was Matt on his knee. I opened the box as our dog jumped on my lap, Matt asked, and I promptly said yes.
The Planning We both knew that we wanted a fall wedding, so we jumped right into wedding planning. After searching the Internet, we fell in love with the West Monitor Barn. We loved the barn for a few reasons: it’s gor66
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geous(!) and all proceeds from renting go to the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, whose employees work on conservation and education projects in Vermont. After securing the venue, we moved onto hiring the rest of our vendors. We booked photographer Jeff Schneiderman immediately. Jeff was truly fabulous to work with and took gorgeous pictures. Sugar Snap, our caterers, made amazing food that our guests are still talking about. Being a fourth-generation Winooski resident, it was important that I use vendors who were either from or based in Winooski. Sally’s Flower Shop was amazingly Remember to tell our advertisers that you found them in VT Bride!
I knew Matt was up to something. The night before, we had celebrated our six-year anniversary and, to be honest, I was expecting him to propose then.
Featured Vermont Bride Wedding Professionals Photographer Jeff Schneiderman Photography 802-878-0769 www.jeffschneiderman.com Accessories Fiori Bridal Boutique 802-872-9663 www.fioribridal.com Additional wedding professionals: Caterer: Sugar Snap Reception Venue: West Monitor Barn DJ: Top Hat Entertainment Flowers: Sally’s Flower Shop Limo: Classic Limo Service Bar Service: Fluid Bar Service Dress: Maggie Sottero
easy to work with, and made the perfect bouquets at a very reasonable price. Fluid Bar Service provided drinks at the reception, and Hannah at Indigo Hair Salon did my hair and make up for the day.
The Essex before our rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
Accepting Imperfections
We were determined to make our wedding as personal as possible. Too often couples opt for formal over personal, and I knew that’s not what we wanted; we wanted our wedding to be us. We tried to attain this feeling in several ways: Matt’s sister, a graphic designer, made our save-the-dates (featuring the West Monitor Barn) and invitations. At the end of the wedding ceremony, Jeff took a whole-group photo, and as guests headed to the reception, they followed sunflower signs that I had painted. While guests waited at the Barn for our arrival, they ate homemade appetizers and played the lawn games that we had set up.
Our wedding was an ode to DIY. The days leading up to our wedding were filled with apple picking (for our caramel apple favors), favor making, and last-minute organization. My motto for the week was “Accepting Imperfections.” I wanted to have everything as organized as possible, but I knew that despite this, things could go wrong. I decided that as long as we were married at the end of Saturday, nothing else mattered. On Friday morning, Matt and I, along with 11 family members and friends, went to the West Monitor Barn to set up. We worked feverishly and were finished setting up by 1:00 p.m., which gave us the rest of the day to relax at www.vermontbridemagazine.com
Personalizing the Day
Our reception tables featured handmade centerpieces. They consisted of sunflowers in mason jars wrapped in twine, and table numbers with our
continued on the next page
Kate (O’Brien) & Matt Violette Continued from page 67
favorite quotes on them placed in a pine stumps that Matt and his dad cut from old Christmas tree trunks. Around these we placed candles in canning jars, along with pictures of our family and friends that we dug out of old photo albums. The pictures were a hit and, as it turns out, a very easy way to make guests feel just how much we appreciate them. Another way that we personalized the tables was to place the homemade favors of caramel apples and caramel corn at each place setting.
Memorable Moments There were so many moments that we’ll remember, but three will always stand out in my mind: 1. The Matron of Honor’s Speech. After leaving her purse in the limo, my matron of honor was forced to read her speech from my brother’s iPhone. The problem with this was two-fold: 1) April is the last person on the planet without a cell phone, and had never used a smart phone before and 2) The limo driver called the phone April was using about a minute into her speech, and my ever-vigilant brother answered his call to instruct him where to leave April’s purse. 2. The Mother-Son Dance. Matt’s dad played and sang “House at Pooh Corner” on his guitar while Matt and his mother danced to the song. It was such a beautiful rendition of a song that clearly meant a lot to both Matt and his mom, and there wasn’t a mother in the barn who wasn’t crying at such a tender moment. 3. The Father-Daughter Dance. My dad and I flouted the normal sentimental father-daughter dance, and instead danced to The Allman Brothers’ “Ramblin’ Man.” I was in 5” heels, and he was swinging me around the dance floor like a sack of flour. We both had huge smiles on our faces the entire time, which perfectly epitomizes our fun-loving relationship.
My Advice It is so easy to get caught up in what you’re “supposed” to do when planning a wedding. From the registry to the reception, try to remember what’s important to you. Matt and I actually registered for some insanely expensive china just to realize that we would never use an $80 wine glass. We had to delete almost everything from our registry and start again, this time doing it our way. You will save yourself so much time and worry if you stay true to yourself, your vision, and your taste. Keep in mind that doing-it-yourself takes time, and make sure you really have the time to devote to making things the way you want them. Sometimes it’s more cost-effective to just buy the paper rather than spending 10 hours hand-stamping it yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. A hypothetical 10-hour paper stamping could have been shortened if I had just asked my bridesmaids for help. Stay positive, and don’t forget the purpose of the day. You are planning a wedding, after all. Enjoy every minute of the day, and accept imperfections. In the end, those imperfections are going to be what you remember most of all. n
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Phot ogr aphyc our t es yofNei l Mac Leod
The Informed Traveler
Continued from page 69
Wander among the small villages and towns untouched over the centuries, and enjoy the hospitality and tasty homemade food and drink. See grandmothers bake bread in communal ovens. Visit painted churches and over 100 monasteries, or go horseback riding through the countryside.
Bulgarians create beautifully detailed traditional ceramics, jewelry, embroidery, weaving rugs and brightly colored carpets. Museums are filled with ancient riches including the oldest known gold artifacts in the world. The Mezek fortress
The main cities are Sofia (the largest city and capital of about two million people), Plovdiv, (in the middle of the country), and Varna and Burgas (each with less than half a million people). The latter two are sea ports. To experience the real Bulgaria, it is best to get out of the cities and into the small rural communities. Bulgaria has many spas, whose mineral water is known for its curative properties. Used for centuries this water can be found mainly in or near the resorts of the Black Sea coast. Hiking and biking in the mountains are popular pastimes as there are great biking areas along the seacoast. Climbing is popular, and ancient cave paintings and many interesting rock formations can be found in the mountains. Over the centuries roses have been planted in the Rose Valley. In late May and early June when the roses are in bloom, the Festival of the Roses takes place in a number of towns in the Valley. For great wines, the little town of Melnik is well-known for its wine cellars. Show up on the weekends and delight in traditional food along with the delectable wine. These are only some of the things Bulgaria has to offer.
The Northwest Mountains
Plovdiv Ethnographic Museum
a negligible tone difference between a white veil and a pale ivory will become dreadfully noticeable when they are worn together—-and the disparity will be even more obvious in photographs. If your gown is edged in a color, such as black or claret, then choosing a veil and headpiece with a similar accent color is a beautiful choice. Likewise, sparkling rhinestone-studded veils look glorious with bejeweled gowns—-especial for candlelight ceremonies.
Guidelines for Veil Length By following a few easy guidelines deciding what length of veil to purchase will be easy. The less formal a wedding, the simpler and shorter the veil should be—and in some cases no veil is far wiser than overdoing. Elbow length or finger-tip length are good choices for the informal affair. With a formal wedding your choices expand to include the shorter veils as well as chapel or cathedral lengths.
: s e c e i p d a e Veils & H
You will also want to consider the back of your gown. Where will the bottom hem of the veil fall? Will it cover up decorations on your gown? How does the veil look with the gown’s neckline and train? An elbow-length veil will show off details at the waist of a gown and the extravagant cathedral length can add a feeling of modern-luxury for a tall bride in a slim gown.
your crowning
glor y
Wearing a wedding veil is an ancient tradition that cuts across cultures and religions. The veil you choose can be inspired by these traditions or by personal style and taste, but either way there are three considerations to keep in mind when purchasing your veil: will it work with your gown, the formality of your wedding and the environmental conditions at your ceremony and reception. Ceremony Location If you are planning to be married outdoors where wind may be an issue you are best to opt for a shorter veil or for no veil at all. As you walk down the aisle or stand at an outdoor altar the last thing you need is to be untangling yourself from a wind-blown veil. If your wedding ceremony is inside and your reception is outdoors, then you can avoid wind issues by removing your veil for the reception. Some brides even purchase a longer veil for the ceremony and a second short veil for the reception.
Reflection of the Gown You want to make sure your gown and veil harmonize. The simplest way to make sure they do this is to buy an ensemble. If you have a custom veil made or buy a veil that wasn’t designed to match your gown, then you’ll have to be more careful. Clearly, the color of the veil should match the gown. What at first may appear to be 72
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Photography Photo by Polis
By Pat Esden
The most important tip about coordinating the veil and gown is to buy the gown first and then choose the veil while you have the gown on. If you plan on purchasing them in different locations, try on the gown and similar veils and take photos of how those veils looks with the back of your dress. Once you get home, you can study the photos and decide what style of veil you want. Take the photos with you when you go veil shopping. They will also help you judge which veil looks best with your height and figure. Remember when you buy the veil from a different manufacturer than the dress there may be slight variations in color.
Also consider which veil you feel the most comfortable in as far as weight and style go. And ask your hairdresser which would work best with the hairstyle you plan on having on your wedding day.
Headpiece Styles Some of the above considerations also apply when choosing a headpiece. Make sure its style and proportion match your gown. If you have pearls, rhinestones or crystals on your gown or your jewelry, then having a headpiece decorated to match will create a fantastic statement. Tiaras are elegant and make wonderful keepsakes. Headband style headpieces are very effective for shorter hairstyles. Jeweled combs or barrettes give the same feel but will appear slightly less formal than more elegant headpieces. Single blooms of fresh or artificial flowers can be scattered through your upswept hair for a light airy feel. A monochromatic wreath of flowers bedazzled with jewels will have a formal feel whereas wreaths created from brightly colored flowers and vines will appear very informal. Your hairdresser or florist can guide you with
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Your Health | The Fit Spot
By Toria Cornett
Fit and Fat or
{
Skinny Fat
Your BMI is calculated by your height and weight and if it is over
Winter is behind us and spring is upon us. How difficult was it for you to be active this winter? Skiing and snowshoeing are excellent ways to stay active in
24 you are overweight. However,
the long Vermont winters. However, it is difficult to
these charts do not take into con-
do those things when there isn’t any snow! So if you
sideration your lean tissue mass,
to slip into your dress and become fit and healthy.
body type, age or gender.
haven’t started already, now is the time to get ready continued on the next page
The Fit Spot: Fit and Fat or Skinny Fat Continued from page 73
There are thousands of fad diets available for you to try from the Grapefruit Diet to the Zone Diet. How many have you attempted? How many of you failed? Ninety-five percent of people who diet, regain the weight they lost (and in some cases gain even more). So what if you are skinny fat or fit and fat? We are going to look at what kind of body type you are and give helpful hints to help you become the healthy fit person you want to be regardless of your body shape.
There are three basic body types: endomorphs, mesomorphs and ectomorphs. Endomorphs are fat retainers, mesomorphs are athletic and ectomorphs are skinny. You are born with your body type and you cannot change it. However, you can look fabulous in your own skin if you understand which body type you have. I am always
repeating
At the doctor’s office, to determine if you are overweight or obese and at risk for certain disease the doctor figures your body mass index (BMI). Your BMI is calculated by your height and weight and if it is over 24 you are overweight. However, these charts do not take into consideration your lean tissue mass, body type, age or gender. So you might be like me and workout, eat right and have an athletic type body, but the chart says I am overweight because of my mesomorphic body type. So which body type are you? If you are an endomorph and curvy and you are striving to become a tall and skinny ectomorph you are not setting a realistic goal.
to my
clients, “Do not worry
about the
number on
the scale.”
Ectomorphs are at a high risk for being skinny fat. What is skinny fat? This is somebody who looks fabulous in clothes. She can eat anything she wants, not exercise and stay skinny. But she may be flabby with no muscle tone, and she actually has more body fat verses lean muscle mass.
what is your lean tissue compared to your fat tissue ratio? There are several ways to figure out what your body composition is. The most common, more convenient way is body fat analysis. This can be done at the gym, or even in your own bathroom. It is bioimpedence testing that runs an electric current through your tissue to determine how much fat verses lean muscle tissue you have. Another tool is skin fold calipers. Skin fold calipers can be found at your local gym. A tool is used to take measurements at skin folds from your abdomen, thigh, triceps and other areas to determine body fat content. However, you have to trust the person taking the measurements is qualified to make accurate skin fold samples. Now let’s look at the fat and fit. People correlate being fat with being unhealthy. However, studies are showing that this is not the case. Twothirds (67 percent) of Americans are overweight or obese! As I previously mentioned, you can be fat and healthy. A study was done at the Mayo Clinic with 855 coronary artery disease patients. The conclusion was that overweight high fitness level individuals had a much lower risk of dying compared with normal weight low fitness subjects. Look at your lifestyle and body type So before we get frustrated that our ectomorph friend who is as tall as us, weighs in at 115 pounds, and we weigh in at 140 pounds, take a look at your lifestyle and body type (mesmorph maybe?). What it comes down to is not the number on the scale, but how we look and feel in our own bodies. When we are healthy, we are happy.
How do we combat the skinny fat or fit and fat syndrome? First get a body composition measurement. Then combat body fat with resistance training, cardio workouts and correction of your poor diet. Perform weight training workouts three times a week and do intense cardio trainings three times a week. Make sure to keep a food journal to ensure you are making healthy food choices. You need to be well no matter what your size. Your fitness goals should focus on striving to be healthy and fit. We cannot change our genetics, but we can perfect what we have. We can be happy and comfortable with our bodies. This means setting realistic goals when it comes to weight loss and pant size. I am always repeating to my clients, “Do not worry about the number on the scale. It is too easy to become obsessed with it. Pay attention to how you feel, what you look like and how your clothes fit.” Don’t focus on losing weight; focus on getting active and eating properly. Take care of the body you have now. Here’s to you being happy, healthy, and in shape! n
Being skinny fat is dangerous. Dr. Steven Blair, obesity expert from the University of South Carolina says, “Normal weight people who are sedentary and unfit are at much higher risk for mortality than obese persons who are active and fit.” Why is this? The fat that we cannot see is surrounding the organs (liver, heart, etc). This leads to illness and disease––not to mention cellulite! Being a smaller size and carrying less weight does not necessarily mean that we have a better body. What is your body composition? In other words 74
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A physioball (otherwise known as a yoga ball, exercise ball, or theraball) works best for this exercise. However, if you do not have one you can use a large pillow or any object light enough to hold with your ankles. Lie flat on your back with arms and legs straight out and grab the ball with your hands.
WORKOUT
Fit Spot Exercise Ball Pass By Toria Cornett
Bring your arms and legs up perpendicular to your body and pass the ball to your legs and grab with your ankles. Return to your starting position (body out stretched) with the ball at your legs. Pay special attention to your back and abs, making sure that you are not arching your back off the floor. This may indicate that you are lowering your legs too far. If this is the case you should stop at the point where you start to feel your low back come off the floor or mat. Bring your legs and arms back to the middle and pass the ball to your hands again. Slowly lower the ball at your hands
and your legs, maintaining a tight core and stable back. This is one rep. Add this core exercise to your current routine and start with 10 reps and work up to 20 reps. Make sure your movements are slow and you maintain proper form. Be sure to read Toria’s article on page 73 titled “Fit and Fat or Skinny Fat.”
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By Linda & Joe Crosby
In our last article, we touched on the wedding album as a primary option for preserving your wedding memories; in this article we will help you decide on whether you should or could create your own wedding album, what you can expect for proof options from your photographer, how to organize your thoughts, and create an album that will become your most cherished keepsake. In addition we will help you through the process of deciding if you might want parent or wedding party albums printed as well. OPTIONS You must first look at what your options are for an album––both do-ityourself and professionally created. Some options for doing the album yourself are putting together a scrapbook with magnetic pages (be aware that the magnetic pages can damage your photographs over time), or you can create an album where you are inserting your 4x6 wedding pictures into a pre-purchased album. Another do-it-yourself option for the technically savvy couple is to digitally create an album to be printed at one of many different websites. These websites have many canned backgrounds and may give you auto-fill options, but they may also give you a “cookie-cutter” finished product and will take many hours of time (both upload and creative time). If you choose to do an album yourself, there are many different options, so be sure to do your homework and decide if you have the time, skill, and patience to do this yourself. Many couples have made the mistake of thinking they had both enough time and the skill to do their own album, only to spend months and months and have mediocre results. If you are considering creating your own album using 76
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one of the on-line websites, be sure to discuss with your photographer the file size and resolution of the images that they will be providing to you, and provide them with the website size limitations for uploading. In order to do a printed album, the minimum size digital images you will need is 8x12, 300dpi in either a jpg or tiff format, but they can’t be too large either since some websites have a maximum size per image for uploading. There are also companies/websites that will take your uploaded images and create a professional album for you, but that would be the most expensive of all routes. In most cases, it is worth your while to find a photographer that includes a professional album as part of their package, as this may make the first months of your marriage a bit less stressful and give you a finished product that has a professional quality that you will be proud to display for years to come. Assuming you have chosen to have your album professionally created by your photographer, let’s start this journey with the proofs from your wedding. One decision for you to make with your photographer is how you will be receiving your proofs. With today’s technology, digital proofing has become a more streamlined option. However, if you do not have highspeed Internet access, this is not your best option. Your photographer may offer 4x6 proof prints or a bound proof book to substitute the on-line proof, but if not included in your package, this may be at an additional cost (usually $50-$150 depending upon number of images and or size of the proof album). For the more high-end premium wedding packages, some photographers offer both on-line and printed proofs or even proof books so that the client has the best of all worlds. Take the time to discuss how they deliver proofs before deciding on which package you want for your wedding and include it in your negotiations. Also, find out about Remember to tell our advertisers that you found them in VT Bride!
The Wedding Album
An Heirloom Worth its Weight in Gold
Photo by RaidenShine Photography an estimate on how quickly you can expect your proofs. If your photographer shoots in complete jpg format, it can be as soon as a few hours, however most professional photographers shoot in RAW format and will need some time to post-process all of your images to a point where they can present you with proofs. Depending upon how busy your photographer is during the height of wedding season, their workflow, staffing, and other variables, this could take anywhere from four days to four months and we have heard of some cases being up to a year for the bride and groom to receive their proofs. Communication about expectations prior to the wedding is key to avoiding misunderstandings. PROOFS Once you have your proofs, you must consider how many images you will need for your album. You will also need to decide if the album size offered with your package is sufficient to tell your entire wedding story, or if you will want to upgrade the number of pages or size of your album. Talk to your photographer about all your options before you start your selection process. Be sure to talk about whether you will want a printed cover or a leather cover, or a cloth cover––there are so many options and your photographer is the best person to go over those options in detail with you. Albums can be square, portrait, or landscape in orientation and come in many sizes and page number options, with the most widely used being the square album. The average size of a square album is 10x10 or 12x12 (38 – 50) pages, which means you will need to choose approximately 70 – 100 images. Some pages you will want printed as full spreads (one image for two pages) and others you may want 6 or 8 imwww.vermontbridemagazine.com
ages on the page, so this is a good average of two images per page. A large album with 150 – 180 images would be a 76 page album which is quite a masterpiece, but a bit heavy to carry to work to show off. If you have opted to select your proofs on-line, your first step should be to go through all the images once to get an overview of what was taken. Some websites have the option to choose favorites as you are viewing them. This option will enhance and speed the second step of the process. Whether you digitally place your images into a favorites gallery or write down the image numbers, this will help you to start narrowing your selections. During your first go-round of selecting, things to keep in mind are: Does this image help to tell the story? Do the expressions in the image convey the desired emotions? Are the poses of the two of you flattering? Are the backgrounds distracting or do they enhance image? If the answer is yes to any of the questions, then you will likely choose it as a preliminary favorite. Next you will need to go back through your favorites to whittle your choices down to the desired number of images for your wedding album. This is where an outline of your “wedding story” will be helpful. Start with a simple outline and decide where you want the emphasis. Is it on the getting ready portion (if that was included) or is it on the ceremony, bridal party portraits, traditions (such as cake cutting, first dance, garter, bouquet), or is it on the fun and dancing at the reception? Every album is unique and this is where that uniqueness starts––with your outline. On this next pass of the favorite images, pick out your top ten favorites. These will likely be the images that will be featured as full page or full continued on the next page
The Beauty of Simplicity in the Vermont Countryside
The Wedding Album––An Heirloom Worth its Weight in Gold Continued from page 77
spread images. In a lay-flat book, the full spread means that the image can span the full width of two pages with no break in the middle. Then pick out the other images desired around those top ten to fill out your story. You will likely end up with a large number or “second choice” images. These image numbers can be conveyed to your photographer to use as fill-ins as needed to round out a page or create a sequence of shots. It only makes sense to let them know what other images you liked so that you get as many of your favorites in the book as possible. Some couples even provide an A, B, and C list––just in case and a short list of “Don’t Use These” for those images that may be of people they would rather not have in the album. In short, any information you can give your photographer is always appreciated and will make your album a cherished item for you. Another tip is to let your photographer know your favorite image of the two of you so that it can be incorporated into the cover or first page of your album. THE ALBUM
We specialize in custom-designed weddings for up to 150 guests in an elegant, intimate barn setting. We serve French-inspired cuisine, made with fresh local products. Rehearsal dinners and off-site catering are also available.
New Haven, Vermont tourterellevt.com 802.453.6309
After your photographer has created your album, they will typically ask if you want it in a glossy or matte surface. Although glossy is gorgeous and has more contrast in the images, glossy albums also show fingerprints more easily. So, think about how many times you will be showing this album off and the durability of it. At this point, your options differ by photographer. Some photographers will order the album as they created it and have it delivered directly to you, while others will have an on-line proofing option and offer for you to view it, and approve spellings before publishing, while still others will offer you the option to change a few elements on the digital proof of the album, move around some images as well as proof the spelling. If you have the last type of photographer, you may want to meet at their studio or home and go over the digital proof of the album with them on their monitors so that you will get the full effect of what it will look like and the value of their experience in guiding you through any suggested changes. Once you have proofed your album, you may want to consider ordering smaller versions of the album for your parents or wedding party as thank you gifts. The parent-album is the most common and is sometimes used as a Christmas gift the year after the wedding. If you are having an exact duplicate, just smaller size, created, there should only be printing fees; however, if you want to have a whole new album created, ask about the estimated costs for design. Most times the changes are minimal and therefore minimal design fees. Be prepared, though, if you make significant changes or ask for entirely different images to be used, it may take as much 20-30 hours of work and could be a bit more costly. Our advice to help keep your costs down, is for you to keep the parent album as close to the original album design as possible––perhaps changing out a few pages of specific images that would be special to each set of parents, and deleting certain spreads (two adjacent pages) that are not necessary in the smaller albums. The images you have chosen will be seen time and time again by friends and relatives showcased in your beautiful new album. So, our next bit of advice is that you will want to care for your album as you would a cherished heirloom. For best results, keep the book away from extreme temperatures where the paper is subjected to moisture and condensation, which may warp the pages. For instance, don’t leave the album sitting in the back window of a hot car. Album cases are available, as well, if you want to keep it safe and give a classy way to display it––typically a black or white leather box or even one with some of your wedding images imprinted upon it. Be sure to talk to your photographer about all the choices available to you for printing and preserving your cherished wedding memories. n
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g n i d d e W r u Yo Dress
ut mple b i s e m s So ideline u g l u f use getting ss to not a dre h t i w k stuc egret. r l l ’ u o y
or Is It? By Claudia Gonzalez
Your wedding day will be a memory of a lifetime. Every detail of your wedding requires an endless amount of thought and effort. For the majority of brides, the most important moment of the wedding preparations is the wedding gown. Sometimes this can be the most important part of the wedding for many brides-to-be.The special dress cements an already perfect day and makes the bride feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. When choosing a gown, keep the following guidelines in mind:
Does it Fit Right? There in between countless amounts of white ruffles, organza and silk you found it! The most fabulous gown you’ve seen. It sparkles, it is unique, it flows….too bad it doesn’t fit you right. More than just the gown being your size, it needs to also fit your body type correctly. Does it accentuate your best attributes or does it hide your figure? Is it flattering from top to bottom or are you drowning in too much dress? The most minor details can altogether make up the bigger picture. If a beautiful dress isn’t the right match for your body, it could be difficult to make the dress work for you in the end. continued on the next page Photo by Sabin Gratz Photography from the wedding of Jody (Schifferle) and Erix Eley. Read their love story on line at vermontbridemagazine.com! www.vermontbridemagazine.com
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Your Wedding Dress or Is It? Continued from page 79
Is it Timeless? When I think of a timeless wedding gown, Grace Kelly’s classic princess gown comes to mind. The lace appliqué bodice, the long refined sleeves, the dress radiated elegance yet it was a simple and refined gown. The dress was a hit in 1956 when Princess Grace of Monaco married Prince Rainier III and is still amazing 56 years later. Case and point, Kate Middleton (Duchess of Cambridge) wore an Alexander McQueen dress to her nuptials to Prince William that closely resembled and paid tribute to Princess Grace’s gown. Why was Princess Grace’s dress timeless? It was beautiful, simple and elegant. This is not to say you can’t have flair in your wedding dress. You absolutely should have some fun details and character in your dress but there’s a thin line between a fun dress and a bad trend.
Will it Make You Bankrupt? If you have the funds to celebrate your wedding day in a Lazaro, Oscar de la Renta or Vera Wang then you are a lucky bride! However, the majority of brides will need to adhere to a budget and many times the dress budget needs to be drastically reduced! Not to worry––there are plenty of options to buy a beautiful gown. While there are always sale outlets, we also have dedicated local shops where you can find great deals on gowns. Many times floor samples will be discounted and still in excellent condition. Vermont is also lucky to be the home of many skilled and creative local designers, don’t miss this opportunity to have your dress created by a local artist. Also, keep in mind this will give you leeway to be more creative in your wedding gown search and add your own personal touches to your dress!
Does Your Dress Make You Teary-Eyed?
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If you find the right dress, the sight of your dress will make you instantly picture your future with your sweetheart. You will feel butterflies in your stomach when you see yourself in your beautiful gown. Even if you have a wish list of all the qualities you’d like in a wedding dress, sometimes the “it” feeling might not be there. I absolutely believe you should try as many dresses as possible until you find one that you love and can’t wait to try on, again and again!
Does Your Dress Fit Your Personality? If you are the life of the party, an A line or Sheath dress might not match your lively personality as much as a mermaid gown or a princess gown will. Maybe, you’d like to have some sparkle, organza fabric or more details that will make your gown nothing short of fabulous. However, if you are more of a reserved personality, a more sophisticated tea length wedding gown will be a better choice.
This is not to say you should stick to only a certain style of dress, but you know yourself best and what you feel the most comfortable in. Fashion and style can be a great form of expression and your gown can certainly be a sign of your personality for everyone to celebrate on your wedding day! n
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Sabrina’s Top 10 Tips for Brides
Sabrina Sikora Dommenge is an international fashion model who was the featured cover bride on a previous issue of Vermont Bride. Look for her love story online at www. vermontbridemagazine. com! Photographs by Justin Cash
and the seating cards were vintage movie posters of places that we had visited together. We also had a tree logo that was used on everything from cocktail napkins to welcome bags to thank you notes. All five of the bridesmaid dresses were different styles and colors, as were their bouquets, but they all went together.The centerpieces were all different as well. I had found several pieces of vintage silver at antique stores. The florist filled the silver tea pots, vases, champagne buckets, and pitchers with fall colored blooms. Have fun and let your imagination run wild! It also makes for much more lively photos!
4. Get a great photographer. This is a biggie for me and I realized just how right I was after the wedding was over and done with. Once that big day has passed, all you have left is the photos. Vermont has some incredible talent! Check out the websites, meet the faces behind the lens and choose who you click with. They will be over your shoulder all day and night, so you want someone fun who shares your vision.
1. Have an open mind. You may have a vision of how you want the overall event to go, but keep some flexibility in your plans. You never know when a great idea will hit you that you can incorporate. Also, it is a big day where there are a lot of players at work. Little things can get forgotten or go wrong. Don’t let it bother you. This is a day for you to show all the loved ones in your life just how important your fiancé’ is to you.
5. Wear comfortable shoes This is an important one. You will be standing more often than not and the last thing you want to be thinking about is the blister that is forming on your little toe. Put some gel insoles in, break them in before hand, and then dance the night away!
By Sabrina (Sikora) Dommenge 6. Create a wedding Website www.Ewedding.com offers free sites that you can personalize. You can feature everything from how you met, to photos, to hotel information, and your registry on the site. This was a big help to us as we are based in Hong Kong and had guests traveling in from California and Australia! Our website was a great tool for everyone and answered all their questions. I had the site printed on business cards and included these in all invitations and thanks you’s! I later had the site name forward to our website where the photos were posted. 7. Treat the weary travelers well! As soon as guests arrived at their respective hotels, they were greeted with an overflowing goody bag. I had reusable unbleached canvas totes with “Vermont 9.19.09” imprinted on them. The bag was stuffed with maps, fudge, breath mints, maple syrup, granola bars, and a personalized welcome note. Everything was packable for the flight home including the syrup which was less than 3 oz. for those flying with only carry on bags! 8.Stick to your budget. With the current state of the economy, it is important to do some number crunching and see what you really can afford. There are so many ways to be creative and save money without sacrificing your vision. Getting yourself into debt from the wedding is no way to start a new life together. Write out all of your must-haves and then see how there may be less expensive yet comparable alternatives and save yourselves the stress when the balance comes due! 9. Make the Name Change easy! www.MissNowMrs.com offers an affordable, convenient way to streamline the name change process. For around $30 you can get all
2. Try bartering for goods and services. If you have a skill that others may find useful, put it to work! I bartered for my bridesmaid dresses by modeling for the company who made them. As long as the value for the services is equal, then there should be no reason why you shouldn’t give it a go! 3. Mix and Match to show your style Gone are the days when the tablecloths, bridesmaid dresses, and flowers were are the same shade of mauve. Now days you can play up your style and let your personality shine through! At our wedding, all of the printed materials were different yet they all had a central theme of traveling. The Save The Dates were photo postcards
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T
asty Persuasions Catering is not your average catering company.
Tasty Persuasions is not your average catering company
When you decide to work with TPC you are not just a client, but part of a family.
By Tina Patno
When you decide to work with TPC you are not just a client, but part of a family. We are here to make your special day as easy and stress free as possible. Tasty Persuasions Catering will not only create a custom menu for you and your wedding, but provide suggestions and other recommendations for your big day. Our food quality is among Vermont’s finest and our menus are filled with fare for all taste preferences. We have extensive experience in catering for all occasions, from small and intimate engagements to large extravaganzas. Whatever your need Tasty Persuasions Catering will provide you with the quality, rate and service that you deserve.
Let us take you through the process so you can see the how easy and worry free working with TPC will be. It all starts with an e-mail or phone call. After the first conversation with founder and owner, Tina, you will receive customized menu suggestions to choose from. Do you need some help with making a final decision? No Problem, come visit us and we will provide you with a tasting so that your decisions can be complete and you will love the food on your big day. Wait, what was that you said? You need a bartender, well you’re in luck––TPC can recommend companies for you. Oh? Photographer too, yes we have suggestions for those as well.
The process is seamless, finalize your event needs, sign our contract, send in payment, and then rest assured your event is in great hands. Don’t just take our word for it…Melissa Marotta Houser from South Burlington says: Best Caterer EVER! If I had dreamed up my fantasy wedding caterer, I could not have made up Tasty Persuasions. Throughout the year leading up to our wedding, owner, Tina Patno, was with us every step of the way as a key member of our wedding planning team. Detail-oriented and committed to adding her special touch on all logistical coordination issues.
Photos compliments of Tasty Persuasions Catering
Tina’s warm and positive presence not just on our wedding day but throughout the whole planning process made a huge difference in making sure our day went on smoothly. From sharing her wisdom and expertise in helping us navigate the wedding industry channels and referring us to like-minded vendors we needed, to regucontinued on page 84
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vermont bride Spring 2012
I do.
Full of history, charm and beauty, the perfect place to say
The Great Room is the perfect location to celebrate the beginning of your new life together. For a more intimate setting the Cliff House on Mt. Mansfield will take your breath away. Expect nothing less than meticulous planning, worldclass menus, warm, exceptional service and memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.
stowe.com info@stowe.com 800.253.4SKI
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Tasty Persuasions Catering is not your average catering company. Continued
from page 82
larly checking in to offer her assistance along the way, Tina inspired exceptional confidence. The day of, she and her staff were AWESOME. Our guests raved about the food, and my husband and I saw how hard Tina and her staff were working, slaving in the kitchen (despite the 90 degree temperature) and so professionally interfacing with our families and friends. I cannot recommend Tasty Persuasions more highly! We hope to talk to you soon and we are looking forward to making your day a happy and Tasty one! n Tasty Persuasions Catering includes complete catering services for Wedding Receptions, Rehearsal Dinners, Bridal Showers, Holiday Parties, Company Gatherings and more. Visit us online at www.tastypersuasions.com, 802-372-3123.
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vermont bride Spring 2012
By Pat Esden
Bachelor and bachelorette parties have one goal—fun. Whether the party is a bachelor, bachelorette or a Jack and Jill, it’s easy to make it an occasion to be remembered. The key is to plan the party far enough ahead of time, personalize it and take safety into account. Usually the maid of honor or the best man plan and host the party, however sometimes parents or even the bride or groom organize it themselves. Unlike the bridal shower, the bride and groom often know when the bachelor party will take place and should be asked if they prefer separate parties or wish to have a combined one.
No matter who is hosting the party it should be planned several months ahead of time and guests should be notified of the date well in advance.
Bachelors and
Bachelorette Parties:
Making them Memorable
The actual date it occurs is most often within a couple of weeks of the wedding or even the night before the ceremony. The problem with having the party the night before is that it can lead to the bride or groom being hungover or exhausted on the wedding day. Once a date is chosen, some thought should be put into how the party can be personalized. Instead of having a lackluster bachelor party in someone’s basement with stag movies and beer or sitting in a living room playing the same old bachelorette games, focus the party on something that the bride and groom especially enjoy.
What is the bride’s favorite sport? The groom’s favorite food? An afternoon playing golf followed by drinks and dinner at the clubhouse is easy to organize. A girls’ only weekend of skiing and partying in a resort pub wouldn’t be expensive if a friend or family member has a ski area condo they’d lend for the weekend. A champagne breakfast at a favorite restaurant, overnight shopping trips, white water rafting, a day at the spa, paintball, fly fishing lessons, a concert or dinner theater—what would be fun for the bride and/or groom and the rest of the guests? There is no tradition about who should be invited to the party. Sometimes parents are included, but more often only the attendants and closest friends. Keeping the guest list small—most likely under a couple dozen people—will help maintain a personal feeling. However, more people may be invited to a Jack and Jill party, which are as common as the traditional bachelor and bachelorette parties. If there is going to be drinking at the party and the guests aren’t staying overnight, then it is a good idea to rent a limo or designate a driver ahead of time. The designated driver can be a spouse or friend who is willing to be “on call,” or a local taxi could be hired instead. n
With just a little preplanning and thought as to the bride and/or groom’s taste, the bachelor party will be safe, fun and something everyone will remember and talk about for years to come. www.vermontbridemagazine.com
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Photo by Randy Morris Photo
Getting into the
Wedding Spirit By Rachel Connor and Tiffany Suitter
You have chosen Vermont as the perfect location for your wedding whether you are a local to the area or have come from far away. Vermont is a beautiful place to have your special day. The Spirit of Ethan Allen offers couples a unique Vermont wedding experience. A wedding cruise on Lake Champlain will make your wedding memorable for all your family and friends. Most people would expect this to be rather expensive; however, most couples are pleasantly surprised by how AFFORDABLE a wedding cruise really is.
Our wedding packages and cruise options might help you get back into the WEDDING SPIRIT! After your first initial contact, whether it be by phone or online request, you will be sent an itemized event budget based on your wedding. Estimates include boat rental, food, beverage, professional DJ service, linens, cash bar service, tax and gratuity!
Photo by J. Michael Worthington, Jr.
As you start collecting information from various potential reception locations, you will quickly see that it is not easy to compare all of your options. You might become overwhelmed and frustrated when trying to find a location that will fit your budget
A unique, one-of-a-kind Vermont Wedding Experience
If you already have a wedding reception location, you may want to consider The Spirit of Ethan Allen for one of the many other events that surround your big day. So often, wedding guests are traveling from afar. Give your guests the opportunity to experience the destination you chose for your wedding. Burlington offers many great attractions for your guests to enjoy! The Spirit of Ethan Allen offers cruises for rehearsal dinners, post wedding brunches, showers, pre-wedding welcome cruises, bachelorette or bachelor parties and engagement parties. Group rates available for parties of 20 or more. Overall, The Spirit of Ethan Allen is a unique and affordable location that offers couples on any budget a great deal. Our many cruise options will help make your day special. A cruise on Lake Champlain will give your guests an unforgettable wedding experience, in a destination they will never forget. If you are interested in more information please call or email The Spirit of Ethan Allen at 802-862-8300 or Spirit@soea.com for your custom estimate and boat tour! Web Site www.soea.com.
www.vermontbridemagazine.com
Photo by J. Michael Worthington, Jr.
Small Weddings Welcome!
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Expert Advice | Your Future By Gayle Oberg
When you are shopping for a home, take a drive around the neighborhood, up and down all of the roads. Visit the area at different times of the day.
Location, Location, Location You have begun the exciting step of shopping for your new home! Congratulations! When it comes to purchasing real estate, whether it is your first home or not, the location and the site are critical factors in the value of the property. Overlook the paint colors you don’t like, don’t even look at the furnishings, but look very carefully at the location! This is the part you cannot change! When you are shopping for a home, take a drive around the neighborhood, up and down all of the roads. Visit the area at different times of the day. I even suggest parking your car and taking a walk, with your dog and/or family. You will get a really good feel for the area and you may even have the chance to meet some residents! Visiting at different times of the day will give you an idea how the natural light affects the property. Does the sun set early in the afternoon or do you see it set late in the day? Also consider the site itself. Is the approach to the house reasonable or will you be walking up the driveway in a snowstorm? If you have plans in the future to add on to the house, consider how close the house is to the property lines. Check with the local zoning administrator. Determine the setbacks and ask if there is anything else you should know about that may affect the property. Another consideration is any future development
that may be planned for the area. Is there vacant land at the end of the road? If so, ask your realtor and the zoning administrator if there are any permits pending for developing the land. All of these factors will affect the current and the future value of a property. Every homeowner is different, some will not be worried about a steep driveway or more houses in the area, others will like the challenge or the change! The best advice is to fully educate yourself on the area and the planned changes. Then you can make the decision with as much information as possible! Remember, this is one of the most important investments you will make. Spend the time to learn as much as you can and move ahead when you are comfortable with what you know. n Look for Gayle’s article in the summer issue of Vermont Bride, “Are you ready to sell a home?”
Another consideration is any future development that may be planned for the area.
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Getting READY | Your DJ By Grant Allendorf
How to Backup Your Big Day Make sure your wedding event vendor is ready with a “Plan B� in case something as simple as a power outtage hits your special day. 36 Years I have been in the wedding business for 36 years, and though I find that most weddings are able to steer clear of major problems, I know enough of what can go wrong to say that the smart bride and groom plan for the worst and hope for the best. First and foremost, it is important to have backup power as everything from entertainment to food will require electricity. Experience Two or three years ago a violent thunderstorm roared through central Vermont and cut off power to five of our ten weddings. The storms started around 3:00 in the afternoon, so most of the weddings were just getting started. Four of these five powerless events had backup generators or, at least, their venue did, and after a few minutes the proceedings were back to normal. One place did not have any emergency power to run the DJ equipment. They did have gas in their kitchen, so the meal did arrive albeit slowly. After some deliberation the bride and some bridesmaids wanted to go to Home Depot to purchase a generator. Planning for the unexpected Unfortunately, the manager of this establishment would not permit a generator on the premises. Needless to say the bride was a bit thrown by this turn of events and went into a backup plan. She called an inn down the road that had power where she had planned on having her after-hours party five hours later. She had our DJ move to the location early, and the guests soon followed. All ended well, but he big day was nothing like the one she wanted or anticipated. Therefore, it is my advice that you make sure your facility has a backup generator in the unlikely event of a power outage, which could be a wedding-ending turn of events. However, simply having electricity will not guarantee DJ service. Equipment can breakdown, and DJs can have accidents or get sick just prior to your event. Our company has backup equipment on site and one DJ on call each weekend in the unlikely event an emergency occurs. If you have a plan, you can sleep better at night knowing that all scenarios have been considered and covered.
If you have a plan, you can sleep better at night knowing that all scenarios have been considered and covered.
Cheers and congratulations! n
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w Vermont Bride Magazine Larry Asam Photography
Photographers’ Showcase Spring 2012
Larry Asam Photography 802-244-7954 larry@lasamphoto.com lasamphoto.com
Ayer Photography of Vermont 802-338-9193 info@ayerphoto.com www.ayerphoto.com
Ayer Photography
Ben Hudson Photography
Joshua Lambert Photography
May Walton Photography
Larry Asam Photography
Kim Martin Photography
Ben Hudson Photography
Jeff Schneiderman Photography
Lamoureux Photography
Polis Photography
Joshua Lambert Photography
RaidenShine Photography
Green Mountain Photobooth 802-899-2823 greenmtphotobooth.com
Ben Hudson Photography 802-598-6366 benhudsonphotography@gmail. com benhudsonphotography.com
Joshua Lambert Photography 207-576-5384 jlambert@justice.com joshualambert.photoshelter.com
Lamoureux Photography 802-933-1099 lamoureuxphotography@gmail. com lamoureuxphotographystudio. com
Kim Martin Photography 802-598-4007 kim@kimmartinphoto.com kimmartinphoto.com
Polis Photography 802-733-5413 weddings@polisfoto.com polisfoto.com
RaidenShine Photography
See more online at vermontbridemagazine.com 802-598-9186 customer_service@raidenshine. com raidenshine.com Jeff Schneiderman Photography 802-878-0769 jsphotos@aol.com jeffschneiderman.com
Larry Asam Photography
Jeff Schneiderman Photography
Kim Martin Photography
May Walton Photography 802-236-5538 maywaltonphotography.com
View online!
May Walton Photography
Green Mountain Photobooth
Larry Asam Photography
Did you know that thousands of wedding photos are online at vermontbridemagazine. com? Vermont’s finest wedding professionals are listed with their contact information and many samples to view and enjoy. See us online!
Polis Photography
RaidenShine Photography
Green Mountain Photobooth
Ayer Photography
Ben Hudson Photography
Vermont Bride Photographers
2012 Spring Bridal Resource Guide Vendor Services
Website
Page
sewbasket.com
49
ALTERATIONS The Sewing Basket
BEAUTY & WELLNESS Colonial Styling Center
see our ad vermontbridemagazine.com
22
Essex Resort & Spa
vtculinaryresort.com
5
Moon Studio Day Spa
moonstudiodayspa.com
25
Nailz & Makeup Artistry by Sue
ksvideovermont.com
56
Purple Sage Salon & Spa
purplesagesalonspa.com
93
Salon at Stoweflake
spaatstoweflake.com
4
Wendy Kluin - Makeup Artist
see our ad vermontbridemagazine.com
37
BEAUTY & WELLNESS
Cosmetic & Aesthetic Services
LUMINA - Nancy Carlson Fisher MD
nancyfishermd.com
BEAUTY & WELLNESS
Spa Services
Essex Resort & Spa
vtculinaryresort.com
5
LUMINA - Nancy Carlson Fisher MD
nancyfishermd.com
13
13
Moon Studio Day Spa
moonstudiodayspa.com
25
Purple Sage Salon & Spa
purplesagesalonspa.com
93
Spa at Stoweflake
spaatstoweflake.com
4
sewbasket.com
49
fioribridal.com
11
bakearia.com
84
BRIDAL GOWN PRESERVATION The Sewing Basket
BRIDAL SHOPS Fiori Bridal Boutique
CAKES & PASTRIES BakeAria LLC
92
vermont bride Spring 2012
Bakery at Junior’s
juniorsvt.com
96
Ben & Jerry’s
benjerry.com
43
Remember to tell our advertisers that you found them in VT Bride!
Delicate Decadence Cake Boutique
delicate-decadence.com
56
Howards The Flower Shop
howardstheflowershop.com
92
Snaffle Sweets
snafflesweets.com
92
Peck’s Flower Shop
pecksflowershop.com
96
Sweet Cruunch Bakeshop & Catering Co.
sweetcrunchbakeshop.com
42
Sarah’s Weddings by Betty’s Flower Basket
bettysflowerbasket.com
57
Vendor Services
Website
Page
Village Green Florist
thevillagegreenflorist.net
80
The Abbey
abbeygroup.net
39
Ben & Jerry’s
benjerry.com
43
Danforth Pewter
danforthpewter.com
95
Junior’s Long Island Catering
juniorsvt.com
106
Fascinators (By Betty’s Flower Basket)
bettysflowerbasket.com
22
Skinny Pancake (The)
skinnypancake.com
23
State Street Catering
statestreetcatering.com
23
Susanna’s Catering
susannascatering.com
35
Sweet Cruunch Bakeshop & Catering Co.
sweetcrunchbakeshop.com
42
Tasty Persuasions Catering
tastypersuasions.com
83
Waterfront Catering Group
vermontspecialoccasions.com
21
Wetherbee’s Catering
wetherbeescatering.com
36
ENTERTAINMENT
DJ’s - Entertainers
Gerry Lawrence
see our ad vermontbridemagazine.com
55
Peak Entertainment
peakdj.com
83
CATERING
GIFTS & BRIDAL REGISTRIES
The Kitchen Store At J.K. Adams
thekitchenstoreonline.com
31
Shelburne Country Store
shelburnecountrystore.com
39
Vendor Services
Website
Page
toriaswellness.com
73
culturalcrossroads.com
96
HEALTH & FITNESS Toria’s Wellness
HONEYMOONS Cultural Crossroads
INVITATIONS
Supersounds DJ Co.
supersounds.com
15
Wedding DJ VT
weddingdjvt.com
94
ENTERTAINMENT
Musicians
Lisa Carlson - flutiest
lisaflute.com
95
Classic Consort
classicconsort.com
36
Dayve Huckett - guitar
dayvehuckett.net
23
Love That Duo
lovethatduo.com
22
Lydia Batten CALLIGRAPHY
lydiabatten.com
95
That’s Inviting
thats-inviting.com
12
Truly Noted
trulynoted.net
92
eatonsjewelry.com
54
JEWELRY Eaton’s Fine Jewelry
Vermont Symphony Orchestra
vso.org
78
Vermont Wedding Violinist
vtweddingviolinist.com
94
Precious Things Jewelers
preciousthingsjewelers.com
17
Shelburne Country Store
shelburnecountrystore.com
39
Waldron and Rhodes Jewelers
vermontdiamonds.com
37
LIFE PLANNING INFORMATION
- Home Buliders
Northern Builders Inc.
see our ad vermontbridemagazine.com
LIFE PLANNING INFORMATION
- Realtors
Coldwell Banker Carlson Real Estate
gayleoberg.com
15
Signature Properties of Vermont
signaturepropertiesvt.com
84
57
Photo Booths Green Mountain Photobooth
greenmtphotobooth.com
16
FAVORS BakeAria LLC
BakeAria.com
84
Carman Brook Farm
cbmaplefarm.com
84
Delicate Decadence Cake Boutique
delicate-decadence.com
56
Shelburne Country Store
shelburnecountrystore.com
39
Skinny Pancake (The)
skinnypancake.com
23
Snaffle Sweets
snafflesweets.com
92
VT Mountain Syrup
see our ad vermontbridemagazine.com
36
continued on the next page
FLORIST - FLORAL DESIGNS Crimson Poppy Flower Shoppe
see our ad vermontbridemagazine.com
92
Esden Florist
see our ad vermontbridemagazine.com
85
Hawley’s Florist
hawleysweddingflorist.com
41
www.vermontbridemagazine.com
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93
LODGING Arlington Inn
arlingtoninn.com
49
Brandon Inn
historicbrandoninn.com
17
Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Center
capitolplaza.com
15
Edson Hill Manor
edsonhillmanor.com
85
Essex Resort & Spa
vtculinaryresort.com
5
Golden Eagle Resort
goldeneagleresort.com
96
Holiday Inn Rutland/Killington
hivermont.com
93
Middlebury Inn
middleburyinn.com
16
Mountain Top Inn & Resort
mountaintopinn.com
24
Ponds at Bolton Valley Resort
thepondsvt.com
29
Quality Inn Burlington
qualityinnvt.com
92
Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Ctr
sheraton.com/burlington
99
Stowe Mountain Resort
stowe.com
83
Stables & Inn at Pigeon Hill Farm
pigeonhillfarm.com
55
Vendor Services
Website
Page
LODGING (continued) Stowe Inn
stoweinn.com
6
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
stoweflake.com
4
Sunset Ballroom
vermontspecialoccasions.com
21
Tourterelle Inn - Dining & Events
tourterellevt.com
78
White Rocks Inn
whiterocksinn.com
31
Wilburton Inn
wilburton.com
18
coachingcenterofvt.com
42
OFFICIANTS Rev. Dr. Michael Caldwell
PHOTOGRAPHERS Larry Asam Photography
lasamphoto.com
42
Ayer Photography of Vermont
ayerphoto.com
19
Green Mountain Photobooth
greenmtphotobooth.com
16
Ben Hudson Photography
benhudsonphotography.com
54
Joshua Lambert Photography
joshualambert.photoshelter.com
36
Lamoureux Photography
lamoureuxphotographystudio.com
12
Kim Martin Photography
kimmartinphoto.com
25
Polis Photography
polisfoto.com
21
RaidenShine Photography
raidenshine.com
43
Jeff Schneiderman Photography
jeffschneiderman.com
17
May Walton Photography
maywaltonphotography.com
46
RECEPTION SITES - WEDDING VENUES
Wedding Catering! See our extensive list of catering specialists at the Vermont Bride online: www.vermontbridemagazine.com
94
vermont bride Spring 2012
The Abbey
theabbeyrestaurant.net
39
An Affair By The Lake
anaffairbythelake.com
18
Arlington Inn
arlingtoninn.com
49
Barn at Boyden Farm
boydenfarm.com
8
Brandon Inn
brandoninn.com
17
Burlington Country Club
burlingtoncountryclub.org
7
Burlington Elks Lodge
burlingtoncountryclub.org
41
Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Ctr
capitolplaza.com
15
Catamount Country Club
catamountcountryclub.com
24
ECHO at Leahy Center
echovermont.org
36
Edson Hill Manor
edsonhillmanor.com
100
Essex Resort & Spa
vtculinaryresort.com
5
Golden Eagle Resort
goldeneagleresort.com
96
Hampton Inn
burlingtonvt.hamptoninn.com
2
Holiday Inn Rutland/Killington
hivermont.com
93
Junior’s Italian
juniorsvt.com
96
Middlebury Inn
middleburyinn.com
16
Mountain Top Inn & Resort
mountaintopinn.com
24
Old Lantern
oldlantern.com
52
Ponds at Bolton Valley Resort
thepondsvt.com
29
Quality Inn Burlington
qualityinnvt.com
92
Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Ctr
sheraton.com/burlington
99
Skinny Pancake (The)
skinnypancake.com
23
Spirit of Ethan Allen III
soea.com
6
Stowe Inn
stoweinn.com
6
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
stoweflake.com
4
Stowe Mountain Resort
stowe.com
83
Sunset Ballroom - Waterfront Catering Group
vermontspecialoccasions.com
21
Tourterelle Inn - Dining & Events
tourterellevt.com
78
White Rocks Inn
whiterocksinn.com
31
Wilburton Inn
wilburton.com
18
Vendor Services
Website
Page
The Abbey
theabbeyrestaurant.net
39
Arlington Inn
arlingtoninn.com
49
REHEARSAL DINNERS
Barn at Boyden Farm
boydenfarm.com
8
Brandon Inn
brandoninn.com
17
Burlington Country Club
burlingtoncountryclub.org
7
Fine pewter gifts for the entire wedding party.
Burlington Elks Lodge
burlingtoncountryclub.org
41
Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Ctr
capitolplaza.com
15
Catamount Country Club
catamountcountryclub.com
24
Made by hand in Vermont. (800) 222-3142 www.danforthpewter.com
ECHO at Leahy Center
echovermont.org
36
Edson Hill Manor
edsonhillmanor.com
100
Essex Resort & Spa
vtculinaryresort.com
5
Golden Eagle Resort
goldeneagleresort.com
96
Hampton Inn
burlingtonvt.hamptoninn.com
2
Holiday Inn Rutland/Killington
hivermont.com
93
Junior’s Italian
juniorsvt.com
96
Middlebury Inn
middleburyinn.com
16
Mountain Top Inn & Resort
mountaintopinn.com
24
Old Lantern
oldlantern.com
52
Ponds at Bolton Valley Resort
thepondsvt.com
29
Quality Inn Burlington
qualityinnvt.com
92
Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Ctr
sheraton.com/burlington
99
Skinny Pancake (The)
skinnypancake.com
23
Spirit of Ethan Allen III
soea.com
6
www.vermontbridemagazine.com
We have an online BRIDAL REGISTRY! 52 Seymour St, Middlebury 111 Church St, Burlington Cabot Annex, Waterbury Quechee Gorge Village, Quechee
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95
Stowe’s perfect spot for your small and intimate wedding ceremony or reception. Located on over
Photo: Larry Asam Photography
60 acres in a beautiful park-like setting, with perennial gardens, ponds, and a covered bridge.
Function room(s) available for rehearsal dinners.
802-253-4811 • www.goldeneagleresort.com
Enriching Cultural Journeys and Exclusive, Customized Tours
877.479.7040 toll-free • 802.479.7040 office Carrie@CulturalCrossroads.com • www.CulturalCrossroads.com
The Bakery at Junior’s Specializing in Wedding & Special Occasion Cakes We also provide Full Service Offsite Catering
Cuisine that is as Beautiful as it is Delicious! 802-655-5282 • juniorsitalianvt@gmail.com • www.juniorsvt.com 96
vermont bride Spring 2012
Abbey, The....................................................... 39 Abbey’s Event Limousine Services................ 95 An Affair By The Lake..................................... 18 Arlington Inn................................................... 49 Larry Asam Photography . ............................. 42 Ayer Photography........................................... 52 BakeAria, LLC................................................. 84 Bakery at Junior’s, (The)................................ 96 Barn at Boyden Farm, (The)............................. 8 Lydia Batten Calligraphy................................ 95 Ben & Jerry’s.................................................. 43 Brandon Inn................................................... 17 Burl Limo & Car Service................................. 17 Burlington Country Club................................... 7 Burlington Elks Lodge.................................... 41 Capitol Plaza................................................... 15 Lisa Carlson.................................................... 95 Carman Brook Farm....................................... 84 Catamount Country Club................................ 24 Celebration Rentals........................................ 12 Classic Consort............................................... 36 Classy Potty’s.................................................. 46 COLDWELL BANKER - Carlson Realtor........... 88 Colonial Styling Center................................... 22 Crimson Poppy Flower Shoppe...................... 92 Cultural Crossroads........................................ 96 Danforth Pewter.............................................. 95 Delicate Decadence Cake Boutique . ............ 56 Eaton’s Fine Jewelry....................................... 54 ECHO at Leahy Center..................................... 36 Edson Hilll Manor.......................................... 100 Esden Florist................................................... 84 Essex,(the),Resort & Spa.................................. 5 Fascinators by Betty’s Flower Basket........... 22 Fiori Bridal Boutique....................................... 11 Golden Eagle Resort....................................... 96 Green Mountain Photobooth.......................... 16 Hampton Inn .................................................... 2 Hawley’s Florist.............................................. 41 Holiday Inn - Rutland . ................................... 31 Howards The Flower Shop............................. 92 Dayve Huckett . .............................................. 23 Ben Hudson Photography............................... 54 Kitchen Store at JK Adams............................. 31 KS Video + Nailz by Sue................................. 56 Lamoureux Photography................................ 12 Joshua Lambert Photography........................ 36 Gerry Lawrence (DJ)....................................... 55 Love That Duo!!............................................... 22 LUMINA (Dr. Fisher)......................................... 13
Kim Martin Photography................................ 25 Middlebury Inn................................................ 16 Moon Studio Day Spa..................................... 25 Mountain Top Inn & Resort, (The)................... 24 Northern Builders, Inc..................................... 57 Old Lantern, (The)........................................... 52 Peak Entertainment DJ . ................................ 83 Peck’s Flower Shop........................................ 96 Polis Photography........................................... 21 Ponds, (The) at Bolton Valley......................... 28 Precious Things Jewelers.............................. 17 Purple Sage Salon & Spa................................ 93 Quality Inn (Burlington) Hotel......................... 92 RaidenShine Photography.............................. 43 Sarah’s Weddings by Betty’s Flower Basket. 57 Jeff Schneiderman Photography................... 17 Sewing Basket, (The)...................................... 49 Shelburne Country Store................................ 39 Sheraton Hotel & Conference Ctr................... 99 Signature Properties of Vermont.................... 84 Skinny Pancake, (the)..................................... 23 Snaffle Sweets................................................ 92 Spirit of Ethan Allen III .................................. 11 Stables & Inn, (The)........................................ 55 State Street Catering...................................... 25 Stowe Inn & Tavern, (The)............................... 6 Stowe Mountain Resort.................................. 83 Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa................. 4 Sunset Ballroom............................................. 21 SuperSounds DJ............................................. 15 Susanna’s Catering......................................... 35 Sweet Cruunch Bakeshop & Catering Co....... 42 Tasty Persuasions Catering............................ 83 That’s Inviting................................................. 12 Tourterelle - Inn, Dining & Events.................. 78 Truly Noted . ................................................... 92 Vermont Wedding Violinist............................. 94 Video Memory................................................. 94 Village Green Florist....................................... 80 VT Mountain Syrup......................................... 36 VT Symphony Orchestra (VSO)....................... 78 Waldron and Rhodes Jewelers....................... 37 May Walton Photography............................... 46 Wedding DJ Vermont...................................... 94 Weddings, Tents & Events................................ 3 Wendy Kluin - Makeup Artist......................... 37 Wetherbee’s Catering .................................... 36 White Rocks Inn.............................................. 31 Wilburton Inn.................................................. 18
Vermont’s First and Foremost Bridal Publication now in its 22nd Year www.vermontbridemagazine.com Watch for our Summer Issue coming Soon!
Photo by RaidenShine Photography
The Golden Eagle Resort is
WEDDING PROFESSIONAL VENDOR INDEX
Cover photo by Around the Bend Photography
Golden Eagle Resort
Remember to tell our advertisers that you found them in VT Bride!
Vermont’s First and Foremost Bridal Publication now in its 22nd Year
Accommodations
at a glance information guide for Vermont
Max Party
Catering provided
Choice Caterer
Guest Rooms
Separate Area Ceremony
Months To Plan Ahead
Reception Area Outisde
Dance Floor
Abbey
200
y
n
n
y
1-6
y
y
Arlington Inn
200
Y
N
Y
Y
3-6
Y
Y
An Affair by the Lake
150
N
Y
3(24)
Y
3-12
Y
Y (25)
Barn at Boyden Farm
No Limit
N
Y
N
N
1-12
Y
y
200 +
Y
N
Y
Y
3-12
Y
y
200
y
n
n
y
6-12
y
y
250/500
y
n
n
y
3-12
N
y
Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Center
350
y
n
y
y
9
n
y
Catamount Country Club
200
Y
Y*(8)
N*(9)
Y
3-6
Y
Y
Echo at Leahy Center
750
n
y
n
y
3-6
y
y
Edson Hill Manor
300
Y
N
Y
Y
8-12
Y
Y
Equinox Resort & Spa
350
y
n
y
y
3-6
y
y
Essex Resort & Spa
250
y
n
y
y
8.12
y
y
Golden Eagle Resort
50
Y
Y
Y
Y
3-6
N
Y*(10)
Hampton Inn
300
y
n
y
y
1-60
y
y
Holiday Inn Rutland/Killington
400
Y
N(18)
Y
Y
9
Y
Y
Junior’s Italian
50
Y
N
N
Y
3
N
N
Middlebury Inn
125
Y
N
75
Y
6-9
Y
Y
300(16)
Y
N(17)
Y
Y
3-12
Y
Y
Old Lantern
350
n
y
n
y
2-6
y
y
Ponds at Bolton Valley Resort
400
y
n
y
y
1-12
y
y
Quality Inn Burlington
75
Y
Y
Y
N
6-12
Y
Y
800
Y
Y
Y/ 309
Y
6-12
Y
Y
Spirit of Ethan Allen III
500
Y
N
N
Y
3-6
Y
y
Stables & Inn At Pegon Hill Farm
150
Y
N
Y
Y
6-12
Y
y
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
400
Y
N
Y
Y
3-6
Y
Y
Stowe Inn
85
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Stowe Mountain Resort
350
Y
N
Y
Y
9-12
Y
Y
Sunset Ballroom
225
y
n
y
y
3-6
y
y
The Skinny Pancake
80
Y
N
N
N
3-12
N
Y
Tourterelle Inn, Dining & Events
200
y
n
y
y
3-12
y
y
White Rocks Inn
220
Y
Y
Y
Y
6-12
Y
y
Facility Name
Brandon Inn Burlington Country Club Burlington Elks Lodge
Mountain Top Inn & Resort
Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Center
*PLEASE NOTE, with regard to several OF THE ACCOMMODATIONS LISTED PARTY SIZE (CAPACITY) NUMBERS on these charts; THESE CAN EASILY BE INCREASED WITH THE OPTION OF A TENT RENTAL. Be sure to inquire for availability. Notes: 3) Catering arrangements can be made upon request. 4) Arrangements for a dance floor rental can be made. 5) Arrangements for a wheelchair accessible portable restroom can be made. 6) Off-site catering available November-April. 7) An Offsite premise can be arranged please call for details. 8) Subject to extra fees. 9) Will assist making arrangements with local Hotels (Shuttles Available). 10) This is provided as a rental item. 11) Optional for smaller functions. 12) indoor capacity 13) outdoor capacity 14) Call for details 15) Note: Additional Cost 16) Max Party Size is 300 (tented) and 100 (inside) 17) Possible exceptions depending upon the season. 18) Bride can bring cake only 19) 275 (tented) 150 (inside mansion) 20) Without tent extension 21) Outdoors 22) Open field would require tent rental. 23) We do offer campus housing from May 15 through August 15 24) 3 bedroom, sleeps 6. 25) This is provided as a rental item.
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